the fourth day. I immediately sent back two of the men to the
interpreter, and retained three with myself, which placed me on a par
with my opponent in point of numbers. But he was now ready for active
operations, while I had every thing to prepare. I resolved, however,
to forego every personal comfort and convenience rather than allow him
to enjoy any advantage over me. I accordingly assisted in erecting a
small hut, which I intended should serve for dwelling-house for myself
and men, trading-shop, store and all.

A couple of days after our arrival, Macdonell was seen walking down to
the water's edge with a very cautious step, accompanied by one of his
men, bearing his canoe, basket fashion, on one arm, and a large bundle
on the other, from which, notwithstanding his steady pace, the
jumbling sound of liquor was distinctly heard.

"Holla, Mac, where are you going with your basket?"

"Why, I am going across to Herd's shanty, to get my axes ground."

"My dear fellow, how can you think of risking yourself in such a
gimcrack contrivance as that? I must absolutely send a couple of my
men along with you to see no accident happens to you."

Having a parcel of goods ready for emergencies of this kind, my men
started in a moment, and embarked at the same time as my neighbour. I
continued with my only man completing my castle; but the earth being
already hard frozen, no clay could be obtained for the purpose of
plastering; the interstices between the logs were therefore caulked
with moss; a large aperture being left in the roof to serve the
double purpose of chimney and window. I had formerly seen houses so