Meeting of the partners—Warm discussion—M‘Kenzie—Eloquence of the times—Reasons for dissolving the company—Dissenting partners converted—Final resolve—The deputy’s powers—Departure of the brigade—A canoe lost—A man’s leg in jeopardy—Rumours at the narrows—Snake party—Rumours renewed—Tummeatapam’s counsel—Hostile appearance at the forks—Number of Indians—Nez Percés’ fleet—Fears of the whites—Indian visit—Strong guard—Mr. Clarke—Relic of the silver goblet—Mr. Hunt at Astoria—Face of affairs changed—Mr. Hunt departs from Astoria—North-West squadron—A great Eri duped— Bill of sale—Petty manœuvring—Rumours of ships—The Astorians at their post—Bill signed—Astoria delivered up—North-West Company 236 CHAPTER XVI Mr. Franchère—Comecomly’s anxiety—His report of a sail—His attachment to the Americans—Laframboise, the interpreter—Mr. M‘Dougall’s visit—The _Racoon_ sloop-of-war—Comecomly grows partial to the British flag—North-West partners—British officers— Astoria changed to Fort George—Captain Black’s character—Mr. Hunt’s voyage—Commodore Porter—Mr. Hunt leaves the Marquesas— Arrival at the Sandwich Islands—Rumours—The ship _Lark_—Eight persons perish—Columbian affairs—The property delivered—No ice— The people assembled—Voyage—The Cascade banditti—Two North-West canoes—North-West affray at the cascades—Mr. Stuart wounded—Mr. Keith’s conduct—Preparations for war—The great expedition—Conduct of the Cath-le-yach-é-yach Indians—Expedition fails—The effect— Remarks 246 {xiv} CHAPTER XVII Party to the Wallamitte—Hunt’s voyage concluded—The brig _Pedlar_— M‘Dougall suspected—His character vindicated—Mr. Hunt’s remarks on the late concern—His liberality—His farewell address to the clerks—Final departure from Columbia—The party for Canada—Efforts and disappointments—Snake expedition—The melancholy story of Pierre Dorion’s wife—Massacre of the Snake party—Remarks—A winter in the Blue Mountains—List of casualties—Astor’s hopes disappointed—Comment on the late concern 261 CHAPTER XVIII Origin of the Oakinackens—Religion—Good Spirit—Evil Spirit—Ideas of a future state—Ceremonies—End of this world—Extent of country—Names and number of tribes—Warriors—Population—Royal family—The great chief, or Red Fox—Wild hemp—Long journeys—Barter—Emblem of royalty—Government— Indian ideas—Council of chiefs—Manners—Employments—Plurality of wives— Brawls—Dress and clothing—Stratagems—A savage in wolfs clothing—Painted faces and sleek hair 272 CHAPTER XIX