222 HUNTING SPORTS OF THE WEST. 



attention of the kind Indians, I think it would have 

 proved fatal. About an hour after recommencing our 

 journey we arrived in a clear wood, in which, with joy 

 unutterable, I observed our Canadians at work hewing 

 timber. I rode between the two natives. One of our 

 men, named Fra^ois Gardepie, who had been on a 

 trading excursion, joined us on horseback. My deer 

 skin robe and sunburnt features completely set his 

 powers of recognition at defiance, and he addressed me 

 as an Indian. I replied in French, by asking him how 

 all our people were. Poor Francois appeared electrified, 

 exclaimed "Sainte Vierge!" and galloped into the wood, 

 vociferating, " mes amis! mes amis! ilesttrouv! 

 Oui, oui, il est trouve!" " Qui? qui?" asked his com- 

 rades. " Monsieur Qox ! Monsieur Cox !" replied Fran- 

 cois. " Le voild! le voild!" pointing towards me. 

 Away went saws, hatchets, and axes, and each man 

 rushed forward to the tents, where we had by this time 

 arrived. It is needless to say that our astonishment 

 and delight at my miraculous escape were mutual. The 

 friendly Indians were liberally rewarded ; the men were 

 allowed a holiday, and every countenance bore the smile 

 of joy and happiness. 



