I was greatly mistaken, however, as they snorted and jumped away from me, and would not allow me to come near them.
My father, who was standing not far distant, informed me that the ponies were not yet broken.

I was somewhat disappointed at this; and thereupon he and one of his men caught one of the animals and bridled her, then putting me on her back, led her around, greatly to my delight.

I kept petting her so much that she soon allowed me to approach her.

She was a beautiful bay, and I named her "Dolly;" the other pony was a sorrel, and I called him "Prince." In the evening some Indians visited the camp--which as yet consisted only of tents, though some logs had been cut preparatory to building houses--and exchanged their furs for clothing, sugar and tobacco.

Father had not learned their language, and therefore communicated with them by means of signs.