"We heard the sound of your cannon," they said, "miles away, and we followed in the direction from whence the sound came, and when we saw the soldiers and the men engaged on the defences we were convinced that we had good grounds for our fears."
The Colonel enjoyed the joke immensely, as did the workmen, who had a hearty laugh at the expense of the backwoodsmen.
Mr. MacKay, the contractor, observing the embarrassment of the poor fellows, said:
"I trust that our men always will be as ready to take up arms in defence of their country if the need arises. They are brave, loyal fellows."
Just then they observed a canoe approaching.
"It looks like one of the big canoes of the Hudson's Bay Company," said the Chief.
The canoe was manned by four Indians, with three white men comfortably seated in the bottom. On landing, a man of about forty, whose head and face looked as though they had not been disturbed by scissors or razor for several months, approached the party. Though poorly clad, his voice and manner and general bearing denoted him a gentleman and an Englishman.
"We saw the storm approaching," he said, "and thought we would take shelter here, and see what is going on. May I ask," he continued, turning to Colonel By, "whom I have the pleasure of addressing?"
"I am Colonel By, of the Royal Engineers," replied the officer.
"And what are you excavating for?" he asked.