OR RED INDIANS OF NEWFOUNDLAND. 143 



they had travelled some sixty miles, they found a storehouse seemingly newly erected. 

 It was of circular form and covered round with deer skins. Some carcases «were left a 

 little way from it. A few miles further they reached the spot where Cull had found the 

 two storehouses, but which were now removed. 



The following day, having advanced a few miles farther, Lieut. Buchan came to the 

 conclusion that it was impossible to proceed farther with the sledges. He therefore 

 divided his party, leaving one-half with the stores, and taking four days' provisions with 

 the rest renewed his joviruey. As they advanced the signs of the recent presence of those 

 whom they were seeking became more apparent, and early on the morning of the 24:th 

 they came upon three wigwams, and having surrounded them the inhabitants were at 

 once secvired. 



"On calling to them within and receiving no answer, the skins which covered the 

 entrance being removed, we beheld a group of men, women and children lying in the 

 utmost consternation. They were some minutes without motion or utterance. My grand 

 object was now to remove their fears, which was soon accomplished by our shaking 

 bauds and showing every friendly disposition. The women embraced me for my atten- 

 tion to their children. From alarm they became curious, and examined our dress with 

 great attention and surprise. They kindled a fire and presented us with venison steaks, 

 and fat run into a solid cake, which they used with lean meat. Everything promised 

 the utmost cordiality. Knives, handkerchiefs and other little articles were given to them 

 and they offered skins. I had to regret their language not being known, and the presents 

 at the distance of at least twelve miles caused me much embarrassment. I used my 

 utmost means to make them sensible of my wish for some of them to accompany us to 

 bring up things such as we wore. This they seemed perfectly to comprehend. Three 

 hours and a half having been employed in conciliatory endeavours, and every appearance 

 of the greatest amity existing between us, and considering a longer tarry useless without 

 the means of convincing them further of our friendship, giving them to understand that 

 we were going and indicating our intention to return, four of them signified that they 

 would accompany vis. Two of the marines observing this requested to be left behind in 

 order to repair their snowshoes. Most of the party wished to be the individuals to remain. 

 I was induced to comply with the first request, from a motive of showing the natives a 

 mutual confidence. Cautioning the men to observe the utmost regularity of conduct, at 

 10.30 a.m., having again myself shook hands with all the natives, and expressed in the 

 best way I could my intention to be with them in the morning, they expressed a satis- 

 faction on seeing that two of us were going to remain, and we left them accompanied by 

 four of them." 



They travelled on together for about six miles till they reached the place where Mr. 

 Buchan's party had made their fire the night before, when one of the natives whom he 

 regarded as a chief, with one of his men, refused to go further, and took his leave, direct- 

 ing the other two to go on with Mr. Buchan. They did so till they came near the place 

 where the goods had been left, when one of them, seemingly panic-stricken, started to go 

 back, beckoning to his companion to follow him. The latter, however, disregarded his 

 efforts, and, though Mr. Buchan allowed him the opportunity to return, he refused to take 

 advantage of it. About 3 p.m. they arrived at the depot. The Indian started at seeing so 

 many more men, but this was only for a moment, and he soon became pleased with all he 



