night for more, which was peremptorily refused. The doors were bolted,
and we retired to rest; but rest they were determined we should not
have that night; and they continued knocking at the doors and windows,
and bawling out at the top of their lungs, "Rum,--more rum!" until
daylight next morning. I rose very early, in not the best humour
possible, and taking the key of the store in my hand--I know not
for what purpose--went out, and was followed by the Indian, still
demanding more rum. I told him he should have none from me. "But I
must have some." "Then you shall go elsewhere for it;" and without
more ado, I turned him out, pushing him with some violence from the
door. He fell on his face on the platform that ran in front of the
building, and leaving him there to recover his footing at leisure, I
returned towards the dwelling-house; but had scarcely reached the end
of the platform, when the yell of defiance, "Hee-eep, hoo-aw!"
resounded in my ears. I instantly wheeled round, and found myself face
to face with the Indian. The old villain attempted to collar me, but,
enraged to madness, I now grappled with him, and with all my might
hurled him from the platform to the ground.

I stood for a moment hesitating whether I should strike him while
down, but had little time to deliberate,--the savage was again on his
legs. He rushed towards a gun that stood against a fur-press hard
by; I instantly comprehended his intention, and finding a stick at
hand, in the twinkling of an eye, I struck him a blow that laid him
senseless on the ground. Being scarcely aware of what I was doing, I
was about to repeat the blow, when I found the uplifted weapon seized
from behind. It was Primeau, my interpreter, who addressed me in a
soothing tone, telling me I had already "done for" the Indian.

This startling announcement restored me to reason. Was I indeed guilty