218 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



happy to learn from Mr. Prudens, that this 

 man was not only one of the best hunters, 

 but the most cheerful and contented of the 

 tribe. 



Four Stone Indians arrived at this time 

 and were invited into the tent, but one only 

 accepted the invitation and partook of the 

 fare. When Mr. Prudens heard the others 

 refuse, he gave immediate directions that 

 our horses should be narrowly watched, as 

 he suspected these fellows wished to carry 

 them off. Having learned that these Crees 

 considered Mr. Back and myself to be war 

 chiefs, possessing great power, and that 

 they expected we should make some address 

 to them, I desired them to be kind to the 

 traders, to be industrious in procuring them 

 provision and furs, and to refrain from 

 stealing their stores and horses ; and I 

 assured them, that if I heard of their con- 

 tinuing to behave kindly, I would mention 

 their good conduct in the strongest terms 

 to their Great Father across the sea, (by 

 which appellation they designate the King,) 

 whose favourable consideration they had 



