Page:Early western travels, 1748-1846 (1907 Volume 7).djvu/165

 Fraser's River,[51] after travelling for some time amongst a powerful nation called the She Whaps. The snow fell while we were here in the mountains, and precluded our immediate return; and after waiting for fine weather the snows got so deep that we considered it hopeless to attempt getting back, and, therefore, passed our time with the She Whaps and other tribes in that quarter.[52] The Indians were numerous and well disposed, and the country throughout abounds in beavers and all other kinds of fur; and I have made arrangements to establish a trading post there the ensuing winter. On the 26th of February we began our homeward journey, and spent just twenty-five days on our way back. The distance may be about 350 miles."

{152} CHAPTER IX

Anxieties at Astoria—Indians depart—A schooner built—The Dolly's first trip—Criminal curiosity—The powder keg—The schooner condemned—Mr. Astor's cargoes—His policy—Remarks on the North-West coast—Unwelcome rumours—Calpo's statement—Rumours renewed—Hard cases—Joe Lapierre—Kasiascall's account of the Tonquin—Strange Indian—Kasiascall's conduct—His character—His design on Astoria—Remarks.

Having in the preceding chapters given a detailed