for it; I of course attempted to compete, but generally arrived just
in time to find that he had already concluded his transaction with the
hunters.

We reached Black River on the third day from Fort Coulonge, where it
appeared my opponent's intention to remain for some time, to await the
arrival of certain Indians who were expected down by that river. I
determined therefore to despatch a canoe to Fort Coulonge, to acquaint
Mr. S with the particulars above related; and sent back therewith such
of the property as I thought could be dispensed with at the time, as
it was quite evident we could not keep up with our opponent in the
portages with such a quantity of baggage as we then had, and we could
obtain no information that could be depended upon as to their ultimate
destination--it might be at the distance of a hundred miles, or only
ten.

My messengers were but two days absent; and I was not a little
mortified to learn from them, that Mr. S., instead of attending to my
suggestions, not only returned all the property I had sent, but nearly
an equal quantity in addition. He wrote me his reasons for doing so;
but I felt assured that he had no other object in view than to show me
that he was the superior, I the subordinate; and I resolved from that
moment, to perform no more extra duty.

After continuing a fortnight at our encampment, we again embarked,
when I ordered the third man in the large canoe into my own, and
tossing my paddle down stream, took my station in the middle of my
canoe. A few hours' paddling brought us to an old shanty in the island
of Allumette, where, to my great joy, I perceived my opponent intended
to fix his winter quarters. We accordingly commenced erecting a couple