The very sun in the sky seemed alien to them, for the Highland drizzle was seen no more.

The days were bright, the weather warm, the nights cool, and there was an occasional August thunderstorm, or hailstorm which alarmed them.

The traders, the Indians, the half-breed trappers, and runners were all new to them.

Their Gaelic language, which they claimed as that of Eden, was of little value to them except where an occasional company-servant chanced to be a countryman of their own.

They were without money, they were dependent upon Lord Selkirk's agents for shelter and rations.