LAKE SUPERIOR. 103 



possess intuitively, but by experience. You will 

 probably suggest that I may upset ; if so, the con- 

 sequences fall only on myself. You have put no 

 stores in this canoe, and the ducking will be mine. 

 Let one of the Indians stay behind, for I have counted 

 upon this as my greatest pleasure." 



" But, Don," I reasoned mildly, somewhat appalled 

 at the prospective consequences, "you will smash 

 the canoe." 



" Oh, no ; you did not do so when you commenced ; 

 and if I do, it is not worth over fifteen dollars, and 

 I can pay for it. We have stores enough, and I can 

 make up the difference to you." 



" But you will never succeed " 



" Pooh, pooh ! You succeeded, why not I ? I do 

 not ask you to give up the pleasure which I see 

 plainly you are bent upon, but we can leave one of 

 the Indians here ; I will go with the other, and you 

 with Frank. That will make the load lighter, be- 

 sides." 



" Has monsieur ever poled a canoe ?" asked Frank, 

 wonderingly. 



" No ; but I must commence. Of course, I will 

 have difficulty at first, but it will come ; do not 

 trouble yourself about me." 



" The work of poling against a strong current is 

 tremendous, and the river being low, the rapids are 

 unusually heavy. You will be entirely exhausted 

 ere you have gone half-way." 



" Do not worry yourself about my sufferings ; 

 although your argument is evidently defective, as 



