his blanket. We vied unconvincing each other, with the nasal
organ, which was in the soundest sleep; mine was the last
watch, about an hour before daybreak. The Aurora Borealis
rolled in awful splendour across the deep blue sky, but I will
not tire my readers with a description. When the first glimpse
of morn showed itself in the light clouds floating in the
eastern horison, I awoke my companions; and by the time it was
sufficiently light we had breakfasted, and were ready to
proceed. Cutting off enough of the deer shot the night before,
we proceeded on our journey, leaving the rest to the wolves.
Each day and each night was a repetition of the same; the
country being in some places tolerably level, in general
covered with wood, but occasionally barren tracts, where
sometimes for miles not a tree was to be seen.

Mr. ---- instructing the men in which way he wished them to
act, informing them that his object was to open a friendly
communication with the Indians, rather than act on the
principle of intimidating them by revenge; that if they avoided
him, he should endeavour to take one or more prisoners and
bring them with him, in order that by the civilization of one
or two, an intercourse might be established that would end in
their permanent civilization. He strictly exhorted them not to
use undue violence: every one was strictly enjoined not to
_fire_ on any account. About three o'clock in the afternoon the
two men who then led the party were about two hundred yards
before the rest;--three deer closely followed by a pack of
wolves, issued from the wood on the left, and bounded across
the lake, passing very near the men, whom they totally
disregarded. The men incautiously fired at them. We were then