Soon after we had encamped our Indian guide rejoined us; he had remained behind the day before, without consulting us, to accompany a friend on a hunting excursion.

On his return he made no endeavour to explain the reason of his absence, but sat down coolly, and began to prepare his supper.

This behaviour made us sensible that little dependence is to be placed on the continuance of an Indian guide, when his inclination leads him away.
Early the next morning we sent forward the Indian and a Canadian, to apprize the gentleman in charge of Pierre au Calumet of our approach; and, after breakfast, the rest of the party proceeded along the river for that station, which we reached in the afternoon.

The senior partner of the North-West Company in the Athabasca department, Mr.John Stuart, was in charge of the post.

Though he was quite ignorant until this morning of our being in the country, we found him prepared to receive us with great kindness, and ready to afford every information and assistance, agreeably to the desire conveyed in Mr.Simon McGillivray's circular letter.