CHAPTER V.

ARRIVAL AT THE CHATS--INSTALLED AS BOURGEOIS--FIRST TRADING
EXCURSION--BIVOUAC IN THE WOODS--INDIAN BARBARITY.


I ARRIVED at the Chats on the 26th of August, 1822. As we approached
the establishment, the crew struck up a song which soon attracted the
notice of its only inmate; a tall gaunt figure, who was observed
moving toward the landing-place, where it remained stationary. With
the exception of this solitary being, no sign of animation was
perceptible. We landed, and found the recluse to be the gentleman whom
I was to succeed. The men belonging to the post were at the time
employed elsewhere; fire-arms were therefore discharged, to summon
them to return. An old interpreter and two men, constituting the force
at this station, soon made their appearance. Such an uncommon event as
an _arrival_ seemed to produce an exhilarating effect upon them.
Immediately after my landing the charge was made over to me; and on
the following day my predecessor, Mr. Macdonald, took his departure,
leaving me to the fellowship of my own musings, which for a time
assumed but sombre hues; but I was then young, and the hopes and
aspirations of an ardent mind threw a halo around the gloomy path that
lay before me, and resting upon the bright spots that glimmered in the
distant background, concealed from my view the toils and miseries I
had to experience in the intermediate passage.

On assuming the responsibility of this post, I found myself in a
position which gratified my vanity. I was Bourgeois of the Chats; had
an interpreter and two men subject to my orders; and could make such