“You are aware we are now in the United States territory. It is not often that we extend our work into it, except in Oregon, which has lately fallen into the hands of the Americans. Biddon had engaged a large quantity of furs of the Indians in the neighborhood, intending them for one of their fur companies, but after his dispute he offered them to us, and this brigade was dispatched for the purpose of collecting them. He will find there is quite a pile of money due him at York fort when he arrives there.”
Further time was spent in conversation with the clerks when I noticed a person had taken Biddon’s place at the oars. The trapper motioned me beside him, and seating ourselves in the opposite end of the boat he said:
“Now we’ll have a talk, Jarsey, ogh!”
“The first thing to be knowed,” said Biddon, “is how in the name of human natur you come in these parts. How war it, Jarsey?”
“You must remember, Biddon, I’ve been a prisoner for the last six months.”
“Did you ever hear nothin’ of Greeny?”
“Yes; a rumor reached me that he was living with a tribe of Indians to the east of us.”
“Altogether onpossible,” answered the trapper, with a shake of his head.
“Why is it impossible?”