Well, when the trappers came to a river where there

were signs of beaver they called a halt, and proceeded

to select a safe and convenient spot, near wood and

water, for the camp. Here the property of the band

was securely piled in such a manner as to form a breastwork

or slight fortification, and here Walter Cameron

established headquarters. This was always the post

of danger, being exposed to sudden attack by prowling

savages, who often dogged the footsteps of the party in

their journeyings to see what they could steal. But