Again they listened to the familiar sound, which increased in volume and strength as it approached, proving that the voyageurs were descending the river towards them. As yet nothing could be seen, for a thickly-wooded point intervened. Presently the song burst on them in full resonant chorus; at the same moment two large north-canoes—in all the brilliancy of orange-coloured bark, painted bows and sterns, red-bladed paddles, with crews of scarlet-capped or bare-headed men swept round the point with quick stroke, in time to the rapid measure.
A cheer was the irrepressible impulse of the men on shore, causing the newcomers to stop and listen.
“Perhaps,” said Dan, “they may be your foes of the Hudson’s Bay Company.”
“That may be so,” returned the Nor’-west Chief, gravely.
The unfurling of an “H.B.C.” (Hudson’s Bay Company) flag proved that it was so, to a certainty, and the depressed Nor’-westers did not cheer again; but the H B C men came on, paddling with wild vigour and cheering hilariously.
“They seem in great spirits,” growled the Nor’-west leader. “We are almost as strong as they, boys, and have the advantage of woods and cliffs. Shall we fight and keep our prisoners?”
“What is that white thing in the bow of the first canoe?” said one of the men.
“It looks like a flag,” said another.
“If so, it is a flag of truce,” observed Dan. “They have something to say, and do not want to fight.”
“That may be trite, but we won’t let you be at the conference,” returned the leader, sternly. “Come, four of you, lead them out of earshot. Take your guns, and use them if need be.”