80 THE NORTH-WEST PASSAGE BY LAND. 



probably come over on a similar en-and. After firing 

 several sbots in vain, they turned into the lodge and 

 made free with the provisions, their own stock being 

 exhausted. On the following morning, after much 

 shouting, and burning a great deal of powder, a party 

 appeared on the opposite bank, and proceeded to bring 

 over the barge. This was a work of much difficulty, 

 as the river was already half frozen over, a passage 

 being still open in the middle, down which great 

 masses of ice crashed and grated along. As the barge 

 approached, a loud whoop announced the presence of 

 Treemiss, who was hardly recognisable dressed in long 

 capote and cap, with band and lappets of fur, after the 

 half-breed fashion. The barge brought carts across 

 going to Fort Pitt, and whilst it was unloading, 

 Treemiss related his adventures since we parted from 

 him. He had nearly finished his house, which, Hke 

 ours, consisted of only one room, but in a far higher 

 style of architecture, being loftier, and having a high- 

 pitched roof. He too had met with great annoyance 

 from the possession of a little rum, and Atahk- 

 akoohp and his friends had let him have no peace 

 until they had obtained the whole of it. Their drunken 

 orgies lasted through the night, and a dirty Indian 

 crept in to share Treemiss's bed. He was forthwith 

 turned out by the indignant owner, but quickly 

 retm-ned, and after several repetitions of the same per- 

 formance, Treemiss took him by the shoulders and put 

 him out of doors. Atahk-akoohp at length alone 

 remained, sitting over the fire, singing the Indian song. 

 Treemiss now flattered himself that at last he should 



