Whilst we were engaged in these labours we had several visits from our Indian friends, but they had ceased to be very troublesome. The hunter, Keenamontiayoo, called on his way to the Fort for winter supplies, and returned with the news that the buffalo had already advanced within two days’ journey of La Belle Prairie. This, however, proved to be without foundation. We found old Kekekooarsis and the squaws exceedingly useful to us. The former we employed to make snow shoes and some dog-sleighs, whilst the latter mended our moccasins, and made up winter clothing. On the 23rd of October the lake was completely frozen over, and near two inches of snow covered the ground. A partial thaw took place, however, on the 26th, after which the winter fairly commenced. Our work was finished only just in time. CHAPTER VI. Furnishing--Cheadle’s Visit to Carlton--Treemiss there--His Musical Evening with Atahk-akoohp--A very Cold Bath--State Visit of the Assiniboines--Their Message to Her Majesty--How they found out we had Rum--Fort Milton Completed--The Crees of the Woods--Contrast to the Crees of the Plains--Indian Children--Absence of Deformity--A “Moss-bag”--Kekekooarsis and his Domestic Troubles--The Winter begins in Earnest-- Wariness of all Animals--Poisoning Wolves--Caution of the Foxes--La Ronde and Cheadle start for the Plains--Little Misquapamayoo--Milton’s Charwoman--On the Prairies--Stalking Buffalo--Belated--A Treacherous Blanket--A Cold Night Watch-- More Hunting--Cheadle’s Wits go Wool-gathering--La Ronde’s Indignation--Lost all Night--Out in the Cold again--Our Camp Pillaged--Turn Homewards--Rough and Ready Travelling--Arrive at Fort Milton--Feasting.