OUR TROUBLES ARE OVER AT LAST. 321 



strength to perform the feat of running three or 

 four miles, which he had just accomplished. In 

 about an hour The Assiniboine arrived with the 

 horses, and soon shared the delights of an unlimited 

 feed. The number of cakes we ate astonished even 

 the Indians, whose views on this subject are broad 

 enough. Presently Mr. Martin and several others 

 arrived from the Fort, to be present at a half- 

 breeds' ball which was to take place at St. Paul's 

 that evening. Mr. Martin received us with great 

 kindness, and invited us to take up our quarters with 

 him the next day. We were surprised to meet with 

 such unquestioning hospitality, for in truth we were 

 as miserable and unprepossessing a company as ever 

 presented itself for approval : our clothes in tatters, 

 the legs of Milton's trousers torn off above the 

 knees, and Cheadle's in ribbons ; our feet covered 

 only by the shreds of moccasins ; our faces gaunt, 

 haggard, and unshaven ; our hair long, unkempt, and 

 matted ; and we had no means of proving our identity, 

 where our appearance was so little calculated to 

 inspire confidence or liking. But our story was 

 believed at once, and our troubles were over at last — 

 at last ! 



