154 DEPUTATION OF NAINIMO INDIANS. 



the narrows. These same narrows are only used 

 by the initiated as a short cut, being too risky 

 for large vessels navigated by unskilled hands. 

 There is a channel, a quarter of a mile long and 

 seventy yards wide, between a small island and 

 the Island of Vancouver. Through this rocky 

 canal the tide rushes with fearful velocity. We 

 ran it safely in the morning, although it struck me 

 as being the most ticklish bit of navigation I ever 

 experienced. Through these narrows, we were 

 soon in Nainimo, where we called for a supply 

 of coals ; the town, at this early stage of its his- 

 tory, consisting of about a dozen log-shanties, 

 inhabited by the coal-miners and employes of 

 the fur-trading establishment. 



Whilst ' coaling,' a deputation of Indian braves, 

 headed by a young chief, waited on the captain 

 of the steamer. Squatted in a circle on the deck, 

 and the all-essential pipe smoked, the object of 

 their visit was disclosed. The Fort Rupert 

 Indians, residing at the Indian village and trading- 

 post we were en route to visit, had very recently 

 made a raid on the Nainimo savages. In the foray, 

 the old chief had been killed, several braves se- 

 riously injured, and, what was worse than all, 

 the favourite wife of the deceased dignitary had 

 been seized, and carried off a slave. The young 



