said Sam. "They sing over us and they prey upon
us!"

But the longest night has an end, and next day the boats were rowed up
to Lower Fort Garry. Here the boys bade good-bye to Big Tom and the
other Indians, after they had taken them up into the Hudson Bay
Company's store and bought for each some handsome presents. Mr Ross
found urgent letters here awaiting him, and so that afternoon horses
were secured, and he and our three boys were driven along the beautiful
prairie road, on the western bank of the winding Red River, twenty miles
up to Fort Garry.

This was the first glance the boys had ever had of a genuine prairie.
They were simply wild with delight at its vastness and inimitable
beauty. Seeing it as they did, in this early summer time, with its rich
grasses at the greenest and its brilliant spring flowers at the
perfection of their beauty, it was no wonder that they were in such
raptures of delight. Twenty miles of travel brought them to Upper Fort
Garry. This old historic fort had long played a prominent part in the
history of that country. Here they were hospitably entertained by the
officers of the Hudson Bay Company.

A few days only were needed to make all preparations for the long trip
across the prairies to St. Paul, in Minnesota. Some Red River carts,
each drawn by an ox, were secured to carry the baggage and supplies.
For the boys a double-seated buckboard wagon, with a canvas top, was
purchased, and Baptiste, a famous half-breed French and Indian driver,
was hired to manage the rather uncertain horses that in relays were to
drag the affair along. Saddles were also taken along for them to travel
on horseback when they so desired.

As there were all sorts of rumours and stories of troubles among the
hostile Sioux and Chippewa Indians along the route, it was decided that
the party should join a large brigade of carts that, loaded principally
with buffalo robes and furs, was just starting for St. Paul. These
brigades carried the trading flag of the Hudson Bay Company. Its motto
was "Pro pella cutem" ("Skin for skin"). It is a remarkable fact that
for generations, even among the most hostile tribes of Indians, this
flag was respected, and those carrying it were never robbed or in any
way interfered with.

With sincere regret and sorrow the parting between Mr Ross and the boys
took place. However, they were delighted at his promise that, if all
went well, he would see them a couple of years