Devoid as were their attitudes of grace and their music of harmony we were much amused by the novelty of the exhibition.
In the midst of this scene an untoward accident occurred which for a time interrupted our amusements.

The tent, in which Dr.Richardson and I lodged having caught fire from some embers that had been placed in it to expel the mosquitoes, was entirely burnt.

Hepburn, who was sleeping within it close to some powder, most providentially awoke in time to throw it clear of the flame and rescue the baggage before any material injury had been received.

We dreaded the consequences of this disaster upon the fickle minds of the Indians and wished it not to be communicated to them.

The chief however was soon informed of it by one of his people and expressed his desire that no future misfortune should be concealed from him.