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
