KEKEKOOARSIS. 73 



About half a mile beyond, we saw two small wooden 

 houses. We encamped in an open space at a little 

 distance, and then walked up to make the acquaint- 

 ance of the occupants. One of the huts had been 

 built by an enterprising free-trader, Mr. Pruden ; the 

 other, at its side, by the Company, in opposition. Mr. 

 Pruden was at length induced to enter the Company's 

 service as Chief Trader at Carlton, and presented his 

 dwelhng to two families of Indians. The Company's 

 estabhshment was dismantled, and remained un- 

 tenanted. A fishery was still worked occasionally at 

 White Fish Lake, close by. In the house we found 

 an old Indian engaged in mending a net, and his 

 squaw squatted by the hearth indulging in a pipe. 

 They shook hands with us very cordially. La Eonde 

 introducing us as a great chief and great medicine 

 man, who had travelled far for the pleasure of 

 making their acquaintance. The old feUow rejoiced 

 in the name of Kekekooarsis, or " The Child of the 

 Hawk," in allusion to the beak-like form of his nose. 



We smoked several pipes with him whilst answer- 

 ing the numerous questions . he addressed to us 

 through La Eonde, and were so delighted with his 

 urbanity, that in a weak moment we promised to 

 make him a present of a small quantity of rum. 

 Alas ! mistaken generosity, fruitful of anxiety and 

 trouble ! The old gentleman became all excitement, 

 said we were the best fellows he had met for many a 

 day, adding that if he might venture to offer a sug- 

 gestion, it would be that we should fetch the fire-water 

 immediately. We accordingly went back to the 



