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Having secured the bodies of the two deer to ropes, Kepenau and Reuben towing one, and Kakaik and I the other, we began to paddle back towards the end of the lake from which we had come. As we passed the part of the shore near which I had shot the last deer, we observed several Indians, who had seized the animal as it landed, and were now employed in cutting it up.
Sometimes dark rocks rose up in precipitous cliffs on both sides of us, and at other times the trees of the forest overhung the water. We had several portages to make, as it was easier to carry the canoes over the land than to drag them up the rapids, but Kakaik signified that on our return we might shoot them without danger.
He and the Indians taking charge of the deer, which they immediately set about cutting up, Kakaik and I paddled off again down the lake to the assistance of our friends. The strange Indians had succeeded in capturing one of the deer; but as we considered that it was their lawful prize, although we had driven it into the water, we did not interfere with them.
Kakaik having made signs that he had got something valuable, Mike advanced with open mouth and outstretched hands. An idea had occurred to him. "What is it, me friend?" he asked eagerly. The Indian began a long speech. "Och, man alive! just tell us what it's all about," cried Mike, who could no longer restrain his curiosity. By this time Uncle Mark had come out of the hut.
Kakaik by this time had them both secured alongside the bank, so that we quickly reloaded them and recommenced our voyage up the stream. I asked Mike to sing one of his Irish songs: this he was never loath to do, and he soon made the banks echo with his melody. As soon as he had ceased, the Indian took up the strain with one of his native songs.
We would kick up de heels all night long, to make up for lost time." It was some days after this that we one evening saw an Indian coming through the opening which had now been made down to the river, walking on snow-shoes, and with a package of some size on his back. "Here comes Kakaik! I wonder what him bring!" exclaimed Quambo, running forward to meet our visitor.
Whether the people were friends or foes, I could not tell; but as soon as Kakaik saw them he declared that they were the latter, and that we must be prepared for an attack should they have many companions in the neighbourhood. "Then let us at once tow our deer up the lake towards the camp, where we can obtain assistance," I said.
Kakaik accepted the proffered gifts with due gratitude, and further informed us that the Indians from whom Mike and I escaped had succeeded in regaining their encampment, though the fire had been close to their heels; and until Manilick's ambassador visited them they had supposed that we were destroyed.
We expected also to get some hunting, and to come back with a supply of dried venison, as well as some skins. The Indian told us that his name was Kakaik, or the "Small Hawk;" he let us understand that he was a great hunter, but as he could speak no English, and as we understood but a few words of his language, we could not carry on much conversation with him.
Kakaik and Reuben led the way in one canoe, and Mike and I followed in the other, flourishing our paddles over our heads as a farewell salute. We plied them diligently, and, gliding rapidly down the stream, were soon lost to sight. Having the current with us, we expected to reach home before nightfall, should no accident happen.
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