148 MOURNFUL CASUALTY. 



Beyond this a gentle acclivity, that led to the high prairies, spread before 

 the beholder a wilderness of verdure, without one moving object to relieve 

 its cheerless monotony. 



The boats were unloaded on our return and their contents placed in a 

 compact pile upon shore, over which were spread two thicknesses of lodge- 

 skin, to protect it from the weather. Other necessary arrangements were 

 soon completed. Two men being selected to remain with the robes, two 

 were dispatched to the Fort, while the remainder with myself were to make 

 our way to the States, if possible, in an empty boat. 



Everything was put in order for departure the next morning, and a 

 gloomy feeling pervaded each mind as the hour approached that was to 

 separate a band so closely united by mutual sufferings, toil, and depriva- 

 tion. 



Those selected to accompany me were congratulating themselves on the 

 prospect of soon reaching the termination of their arduous and eventful 

 expedition, among the friends and acquaintances of other days ; and none 

 were more happy in the anticipation of this hoped for finale, than was a 

 lively French youth, named Prudom. 



Notwithstanding the general tendency of circumstances was to produce 

 feelings of melancholy, his voice rang loud in announcing the varied plans 

 of amusement and pleasure, that were to be realized upon his arrival at 

 home. 



For this day, so far at least, he had been the felit garo^on of the company ; 

 and, it was frequently remarked, as his quaint expressions and sallies of wit 

 burst upon the ear, " What in the world is the matter with Prudom ? 



His good nature and kindness of disposition had won the esteem of all 

 acquainted with him, while his cheerfulness and fortitude at all times con- 

 tributed much to render tolerable the dreariness of our forlorn condition. 



A little before night, the company indulged in a general cleansing, ac- 

 companied by a shave and change of clothes. Prudom was among the 

 number, for whom an intimate friend officiated as barber ; — the operation 

 finished, he jokingly remarked : 



" Well, Tom, 1 suppose this is the last time you'll ever shave me !" 



Little did the poor fellow think how soon his words were to be verified. 

 Seizing his rifle he stepped on board the boat, and, stooping to lay it by, 

 exclaimed, " Here's the game !" 



The words were scarcely uttered, when the gun-lock, coming in sudden 

 contact with the boat-side, discharged the piece and shot him through the 

 heart ! He staggered, faltering forth " Mon Dieu !" and fell dead at my 

 feet !" 



A thrill of horror struck every nerve on witnessing this tragical event. 

 If we had previously felt melancholy, we now felt dismal and wobegone. 

 He, who five minutes since was the very soul of cheerfulness and mirth, 

 now lay a lifeless corpse ! How true it is, we " know not what a day or 

 an hour may bring forth." 



The sun was just setting as we commenced digging a grave in which to 

 deposite all that remained of our friend and companion. 



