82 THE NORTH-WEST PASSAGE BY LAND. 



better mind, and again provided tlie much-loved fire- 

 water for their Indian friends. Mr. Lillie assured 

 them they were mistaken, but without obtaining 

 belief, and they proceeded straightway to make a strict 

 search. Every corner of the building was visited 

 and turned out, and they even w^ent down into the 

 ice-cellar, where the meat is kept. Failing to discover 

 anything, they expressed great regret that the good 

 news was not true, and requested Mr. Lillie to for- 

 ward a strong remonstrance from them to Her 

 Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, for prohibiting that 

 which her Eed Children loved so well, intimating that 

 they themselves were the best judges of what was 

 good for them. 



The origin of their visit (the first they had made 

 for ten years) was as follows : — Whilst our party 

 were at the Fort on the previous occasion, a small 

 quantity of rum had been spilled upon the floor of 

 the store, in drawing some from the cask. Two 

 Assiniboines came in to trade, and smelt the delicious 

 odour their noses had not experienced for many a 

 year. Without giving the smallest sign that they 

 perceived anything unusual, or making any inquiry, 

 they hastened back to the tribe with all speed, and 

 communicated the joyful tidings. Instantly the 

 camp was all excitement, and preparations made for 

 the state visit to the Fort which has been related. 

 But they arrived too late. A few days before, we had 

 carried the treasure far beyond their reach. 



After one day's rest, Cheadle and Bruneau set 

 out on their retm-n. The Saskatchewan was already 



