180 Thirty Years 
The man who first came to speak to him, inquired the 
number of canoes that we had with us, expressed him- 
self to be not displeased at our arrival, and desired 
him to caution us not to attempt running the rapid, 
but to make the portage on-the west side of the river. 
Notwithstanding this appearance of confidence and 
satisfaction, it seems they did not consider their situa- 
tion to be free from danger, as they retreated the first 
night to an island somewhat farther down the river, 
and in the morning they returned and threw down 
their lodges, as if to give notice to any of their na- 
tion that might arrive, that there was an enemy in the 
neighborhood. From seeing all their property strewed 
about, and ten of their dogs left, we entertained the 
hope that these poor people would return after their 
first alarm had subsided ; and therefore I determined 
on remaining until the next day, in the expectation of 
seeing them, as I considered the opening of an early 
communication to be a matter of the greatest impor- 
tance in our state of absolute ignorance respecting the 
sea coast. The canoes and cargoes were carried across 
the portage, and we encamped on the north side of it. 
We sent Augustus and Junius across the river to look 
for the runaways, but their search was fruitless. 
They put a few pieces of iron and trinkets in their 
canoes, which were lying on the beach. We also sent 
some men to put up the stages of fish, and secure 
