In traversing a deep valley near the eastern extremity of the Great Slave Lake, their track was crossed by that of a considerable party of Indians, returning from an expedition to the fur regions of the north. Their course lay along the southern border of the lake. Perceiving their encampment at no great distance, on the other side of the valley, it was resolved to visit them, and, if they were found to be friendly, to join their camp for the night. On approaching the spot, they were met by the chief, who, with a few attendants, came out to bid them welcome to his tent. He was a fine specimen of a young Indian brave--one who, in his green youth, had gained laurels, which it usually requires a life-time to win. His costume, though adapted to the severity of the climate, was tasteful and picturesque, and so fitted and arranged as to develop, to the best advantage, the admirable proportions of his person. The parley that ensued was a fine specimen of Indian courtesy and diplomacy. But it was suddenly and violently interrupted, when Tula, who had remained in the rear of her party, with the Englishmen, came up. At the first sight of the young chief, she uttered a loud and piercing shriek--for the extremes of joy and grief use similar tones and gestures--and rushing forward, pushed aside friend and stranger alike, and flung herself upon his neck, exclaiming--"Ish-ta-le-ó-wah!--my brother! my brother!" * * * * * Transcriber's Note The following changes were made to the original text: Accents were restored to the Table of Contents. Page 5, "Ka-ree-o-than" changed to "Karee-o-thán" (Tezcuco--Karee-o-thán) Page 12, "Kaf-na-wa-go" changed to "Kaf-ne-wah-go" (wigwam of Kaf-ne-wah-go) Page 20, "skillfully" changed to "skilfully" (craftily and skilfully worked) Page 35, "paralasis" changed to "paralysis" (struck with instant paralysis) Page 40, "acknowledgements" changed to "acknowledgments" (ample acknowledgments) Page 50, "terrestial" changed to "terrestrial" (paradise of terrestrial sweets) Page 53, "harrass" changed to "harass" (harass his soul) Page 58, "anything" changed to "any thing" (his position any thing but) Page 60, "discomfitted" changed to "discomfited" (among the discomfited Cholulans) Page 66, "unappeaseable" changed to "unappeasable" (an unappeasable fate) Page 67, "suprised" changed to "surprised" (continually surprised and delighted) Page 73, "cortége" changed to "cortege" (the royal cortege) Page 78, "mein" changed to "mien" (proud and haughty mien) Page 102, "chastly" changed to "chastely" (chastely decorated)