26 PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. 



placed it by another, after having once more sucked out the 

 blood and cleaned the wound. The patient became so exhaus- 

 ted by this dressing, that for the space of half an hour he lost 

 all recollection. When he regained his senses he felt easier, 

 and asked for the Bras Casse, (the chief of the band,) who had 

 not yet heard what had happened, for the Indians had been oc- 

 cupied in drinking, and he had been getting ready to depart, 

 having only delayed a little, to give some game to the French- 

 men. He came to the field of these atrocities, entered Mr. 

 Kay's tent, and gave him his hand, saying, fc ' My friend, your 

 misfortune has given me much pain. If I had been here, it 

 would not have taken place. One thing, however, consoles me. 

 It is, that 1 had not gone off; you may depend on my best efforts 

 to restore you." Mr. Kay accepted his offer, having confidence 

 in him, and in his skill in the medical art, in which he was very 

 expert. He resolved to take him along with him on his route 

 to Mackinac, to take care of him. 



" On the third of May, the Bras Casse took him in hand, and 

 began to apply his medicines, which were found to be effica- 

 cious. After letting him repose a little, he told him he would 

 cure him, but in order to this he must consent to bridle his ap- 

 petites. He must abstain from the use of pepper and salt in 

 his food ; he must guard against drinking, de ne point toucher 

 des femmes. The next day Mr. Kay was a little better. He 

 sent for M. Harris and myself to come to his tent, to receive his 

 orders. He said to us : " Gentlemen, you see my situation. 1 

 do not know whether God will spare my life or not. I have 

 determined to leave you, and at all hazards to set out for Mack- 

 inac with seven men, accompanied by the Bras Casse and his 

 wife, to take care of me on the road. Assort the remainder of 

 the goods, and ascend to Leech Lake, and wait there for the re- 

 turn of the Pillagers, who are out on the prairies. In short, 

 complete the inland trade. Mr. Pinot is too feeble an opponent 

 to do you much injury. I confide in the capacity of you both." 

 A few moments afterwads Mr. Harris went out, when he sn ? d 



