There was no alternative, however, and it was hoped his pique against his old employers would render him faithful to his new ones.
The party reached St.Charles in the afternoon, but the harpies of the law looked in vain for their expected prey.

The boats resumed their course on the following morning, and had not proceeded far when Pierre Dorion made his appearance on the shore.

He was gladly taken on board, but he came without his squaw.

They had quarreled in the night; Pierre had administered the Indian discipline of the cudgel, whereupon she had taken to the woods, with their children and all their worldly goods.
Pierre evidently was deeply grieved and disconcerted at the loss of his wife and his knapsack, whereupon Mr.Hunt despatched one of the Canadian voyageurs in search of the fugitive; and the whole party, after proceeding a few miles further, encamped on an island to wait his return.

The Canadian rejoined the party, but without the squaw; and Pierre Dorion passed a solitary and anxious night, bitterly regretting his indiscretion in having exercised his conjugal authority so near home.