Volume 1

"WHO IS THERE?" " C'EST MOI, BOURGEOIS." IO9
regretted having left my double-barreled gun behind. I
had taken only a short gun, that had burst and been cut
down. She was good for nothing ; however, I opened fire
on the herd, loading and shooting as fast as I could. This
appeared to confuse them, and, instead of running away, they
simply moved to and fro in the low brush. They attempted
to enter the strong wood along the river, but I was alert
enough to intercept them. They took to the plains as
my ammunition was expended. The sun had set ; I was at
some distance from home, and also from my horse ; and
had lost my knife. I had killed one deer on the spot, but
had only wounded four, which I saw walking slowly after
the band, the blood streaming down their sides and legs.
was too late to go after them, even had I had ammunition,
and I knew my people would be anxious about me. It was
totally dark before I found my horse. I mounted and rode
at full gallop. No noise was heard but that of swans and
geese screaming, as they flew their way to warmer climates.
At ten o'clock I came to the point of wood in which the
fort was built, and just as I entered the wood at a gallop to
take the road that led to the gate, a gun was fired about
ten yards from me, apparently by a person who lay in the
long grass.
My horse was startled and jumped on one side,
snorting and prancing ; but I kept my seat, calling out,
" Who is there ? " No answer was returned. I instantly drew
my gun from my belt and cocked her to fire, forgetting she
was not loaded and I had no ammunition. I could still see
the person running in the grass, and was disappointed in not
having a shot at him. I again called out, " Who is there ? "
" C'est moi. Bourgeois !" It proved to be one of my men,
Charbonneau. I was vexed with him for causing me such
consternation. Having got home, I found all hands much
alarmed. The Indians who had been out hunting said they
had seen Sioux, and my absence till so late an hour had
persuaded them I must have been killed. My men were
apprehensive I had gone astray, and therefore, after dark,
had been continually firing. When Charbonneau heard the
It