The Iroquois passed early in spring with eighteen Indian packs in
their canoes,--each pack might be estimated at 60l.,--our other
opponent started for Montreal about the same time as last year, and
I was ordered down to Fort Coulonge to take Mr. S.'s place for the
summer. He returned from Montreal about the end of August, and I was
much gratified to learn from him that I had been again appointed to
the charge of the Chats, so that all the merit or demerit of good or
bad management would now be entirely my own. A few days after, a
middle-sized canoe arrived, manned by three Canadians, with whom I
embarked for the scene of my first essay as an Indian trader.

On arriving at the post, I was surprised to find an old Canadian and
his _cara sposa_ in possession,--a circumstance of which I had had no
previous intimation. This worthy pair seemed determined to maintain
their position in defiance of me; and not wishing to employ violent
means to dispossess them if it could possibly be done otherwise, I
passed the night in the hall. Having, however, obtained possession of
the outworks, I was determined to carry the citadel; and, summoning
the contumacious occupants into my presence next morning, I demanded,
in a peremptory tone, the immediate surrender of the keys.

"Show me your authority," said he.

"If I do not show it, you shall feel it presently!"

Seeing that I ordered my men to put my threat into execution, Jean
Baptiste assumed a more humble attitude, and requested me, as a
favour, to permit him to remain in the kitchen until he could find a
passage to Montreal;--with this request I willingly complied.