154 DEPUTATION OF NAINIMO INDIANS. 
the narrows. ‘These same narrows are only used 
by the initiated as a short cut, being too risky 
for large vessels navigated by unskilled hands. 
There is a channel, a quarter of a mile long and 
seventy yards wide, between a small island and 
the Island of Vancouver. Through this rocky 
canal the tide rushes with fearful velocity. We 
ran it safely in the morning, although it struck me 
as being the most ticklish bit of navigation I ever 
experienced. Through these narrows, we were 
soon in Nainimo, where we called for a supply 
of coals; the town, at this early stage of its his- 
tory, consisting of about a dozen log-shanties, 
inhabited by the coal-miners and employés of 
the fur-trading establishment. 
Whilst ‘ coaling,’ a deputation of Indian braves, 
headed by a young chief, waited on the captain 
of the steamer. Squatted in a circle on the deck, 
and the all-essential pipe smoked, the object of 
their visit was disclosed. The Fort Rupert 
Indians, residing at the Indian village and trading- 
post we were en route to visit, had very recently 
made a raid on the Nainimo savages. In the foray, 
the old chief had been killed, several braves se- 
riously injured, and, what was worse than all, 
the favourite wife of the deceased dignitary had 
been seized, and carried off a slave. The young 
