THE HUNTER GAMBLES. 149 



quite so long, nor gone through so much fatigue. 

 They were not, therefore, in quite such a desperate 

 case, and were left behind with a supply of food, and 

 in two or three days they were strong enough to 

 travel on foot to the Fort. Keenamontiayoo, how- 

 ever, was with dijficulty brought round. He refused 

 both food and drink, having lost the desire for it, 

 and his weakened stomach rejected all but the most 

 simple nourishment in minute quantity. His hair 

 fell off, and for weeks he lay helpless. He eventually 

 recovered, owing to the careful attention of Mr. 

 Pruden, who was in charge of Carlton at the time, 

 and who endeared himself to all the Indians by his 

 kindness and humanity. 



As this miserable company came, they were in- 

 vited to sit down by the fire. Their cheerfulness 

 belied their looks, and they smoked and chatted 

 gaily, without appearing to covet the meat which lay 

 around, or making any request for food at once. No 

 time was lost in cooking some meat, and offering a 

 good meal to all, which they ate with quietness and 

 dignity ; too well-bred to show any signs of greedi- 

 ness, although they proved equal to the consumption 

 of any quantity that was put before them. 



The Hunter was in his glory talking to his 

 guests, most of them old acquaintances, and after 

 giving them food he induced three young fellows, the 

 dandies of the company, highly painted, gay with 

 scarlet leggings and sash, embroidered pouch- straps, 

 and other Indian finery, to commence gambling with 

 him. This is conducted in very simple fashion. 



