our opponents commenced building a hut on one side of the path, we on
the other. While this operation was in progress, basilisk looks
denoted the strength of feeling that pervaded the breasts of either
party, but not a word was exchanged between us. Our hut was first
completed, when our champion clambered aloft, and crowed defiance;
three times he crowed (aloud), but no responding voice was heard from
the opposite camp. This act was altogether voluntary on the part of
our man, but it did not displease us, as the result convinced us that
we stood on safe ground, should any violence be attempted. Our
opponents were enraged at the want of spirit evinced by their men, and
determined on being revenged upon _us_ in a manner that showed the
virulence of their animosity. A number of lumber men were making up
their rafts within a short distance of us at the time, who were for
the most part natives of the Emerald Isle. Paddy's "knocking down for
love" is proverbial. Our opponents immediately sent them word that the
Hudson's Bay Company had brought up a _bully_ from Montreal who defied
"the whole of the Grand River." "By my faith, does he thin," said Pat;
"let us have a look at him, any how."

On the succeeding evening (after the occurrence of the circumstance
above related) we were surprised to see the number of canoes that
arrived at the portage from all directions. The crew of each canoe as
they landed went direct to our opponents, where they appeared to be
liberally supplied with spirits. Their object was sufficiently
evident, as the potent agent they had employed, in a short time,
produced the desired effect. Oaths and execrations were heard amid
crowing and yelling. Our Canadians all took to their heels, except our
noble game-cock and two others; and now the drama opened. A
respectable good looking fellow stept out from the crowd, accompanied
by another man, a Canadian, and advancing to our champion, asked him