The Surveyor-General promised to do so; shortly after which, Mr.
Campbell, with many thanks, took his leave of the Governor.
Mr. Campbell, who had gained every possible information relative to what
would be most necessary for him to take with him, was actively employed
for a fortnight in making his purchases. During this time much attention
was shown to them both by the English and French residents at Quebec.
Alfred, whose wound was now nearly healed, was as active as usual, and
Henry was of great assistance to his father in taking inventories and
making out lists, etc. Nor were Mrs. Campbell and the two girls
unemployed; they had purchased the coarse manufactures of the country,
and were very busy making dresses for themselves and for the children.
Mr. Campbell had been one morning at Mr. Farquhar's, the merchant's, to
make inquiries about a conveyance up to his new purchase (for he had
concluded his arrangements with the Surveyor-General), when the Governor
sent a message by one of his aides-de-camp, to say that it was his
intention in the course of ten days to send a detachment of soldiers up
to Fort Frontignac--news having been received that the garrison was
weakened by a fever which had broken out; and that if Mr. Campbell would
like to avail himself of the opportunity, he and his family, and all his
luggage, should go under the escort of the officer and troops. The offer
was of course joyfully accepted, and on Mr. Campbell's calling upon the
Governor to return his thanks, the latter told him that there would be
plenty of room in the _bateaux_ and canoes for them and all their
luggage, and that he need not give himself further trouble, or incur any
further expense.
CHAPTER VI.
The next day the Surveyor-General called, bringing with him Martin
Super, the trapper.
"Mr. Campbell," said the Surveyor, "this is my friend Martin Super; I
have spoken to him, and he has consented to take service for one year,
and he will remain, if he is satisfied. If he serves you as well as he
has served me when I have traveled through the country, I have no doubt
but you will find him a valuable assistant."
Martin Super was rather tall, very straight-limbed, showing both
activity and strength. His head was smaller than usually is the case,
which gave him the appearance of great lightness and agility. His
countenance was very pleasing, being expressive of continual good humor,
which was indeed but corresponding to his real character. He was dressed
in a sort of hunting-coat of deer-skin, blue cloth leggings, a cap of
raccoon's skin, with a broad belt round his waist, in which he wore his
knife.
"Now, Martin Super, I will read the terms of the agreement between you
and Mr. Campbell, that you may see if all is as you wish."
The Surveyor-General read the agreement, and Martin nodded his head in
acquiescence.
"Mr. Campbell, if you are satisfied, you may now sign it; Martin shall
do the same."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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