156 THE SQUATTERS OF LABRADOR. 



autumn, when these animals return from the north. As to myself, every 

 thing eatable is good, and when hard pushed, I assure you I can relish 

 the fare of my dogs just as much as they do themselves."" 



Proceeding along the rugged indentations of the bay with my com- 

 panions, I reached the settlement of another person, who, like the first, had 

 come to Labrador with the view of making his fortune. We found him 

 after many difficulties ; but as our boats turned a long point jutting 

 out into the bay, we were pleased to see several small schooners at 

 anchor, and one lying near a sort of wharf. Several neat- looking houses 

 enhvened the view, and on landing, we were kindly greeted with a polite 

 welcome from a man who proved to be the owner of the establishment. 

 For the rude simplicity of him of the rum-cask, we found here the man- 

 ners and dress of a man of the world. A handsome fur cap covered his 

 dark brow, his clothes were similar to our own, and his demeanour was 

 that of a gentleman. On my giving my name to him, he shook me hearti- 

 ly by the hand, and on introducing each of my companions to him, he 

 extended the Hke courtesy to them also. Then, to my astonishment, he 

 addressed me as foUows : — " My dear Sir, I have been expecting you 

 these three weeks, having read in the papers your intention to visit La- 

 brador, and some fishermen told me of your arrival at Little Natasguan, 

 Gentlemen, walk in." 



Having followed him to his neat and comfortable mansion, he intro- 

 duced us to his wife and children. Of the latter there were six, all robust 

 and rosy. The lady, although a native of the country, was of French 

 extraction, handsome, and sufficiently accomplished to make an excellent 

 companion to a gentleman. A smart girl brought us a luncheon, con- 

 sisting of bread, cheese, and good port wine, to which, having rowed 

 fourteen or fifteen miles that morning, we helped ourselves in a manner 

 that seemed satisfactory to all parties. Our host gave us newspapers 

 from different parts of the world, and shewed us his small but choice col- 

 lection of books. He inquired after the health of the amiable Captain 

 Bayfield of the Royal Navy, and the officers under him, and hoped 

 they would give him a call. 



Having refreshed ourselves, we walked out with him, when he pointed 

 to a very small garden, where a few vegetables sprouted out, anxious to see 

 the sun. Gazing on the desolate country around, I asked him how ?ie had 

 thus secluded himself from the world. For it he had no relish, and although 

 he had received a liberal education, and had mixed with society, he never 



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