in need of—­a horse—­I told him the plan I had formed for evading M. Ril, in case his minions should attempt my capture.  This was to pass quickly from the steamboat on its reaching the landing-place and to hold my way across the country in the direction of the Lower Fort, which I hoped to reach before daylight.  If stopped, there was but one course to pursue—­to announce name and profession, and trust to the Colt and sixteen-shooter for the rest.  My new acquaintance, however, advised a change of programme, suggested by his knowledge of the locality.

At the point of junction of the Assineboine and Red Rivers the steamer, he said, would touch the north shore.  The spot was only a couple of hundred yards distant from Fort Garry, but it was sufficient in the darkness to conceal any movement at that point; we would both leave the boat and, passing by the flank of the fort, gain the village of Winnipeg before the steamer would reach her landing place; he would seek his home and, if possible, send a horse to meet me at the first wooden bridge upon the road to the Lower Fort.  All this was simple enough, and supplied me with that knowledge of the ground which I required.

It was now eleven o’clock p.m., dark but fine.  With my carbine concealed under a large coat, I took my station near the bows of the boat, watching my companion’s movements.  Suddenly the steam was shut off, and the boat began to round from the Red River into the narrow Assineboine.  A short distance in front appeared lights and figures moving to and fro along the shore—­the lights were those of Fort Garry, the figures those of Riel, O’Donoghue, and Lepine, with a strong body of guards.

A second more, and the boat gently touched the soft mud of the north shore.  My friend jumped off to the beach; dragging the pointer by chain and collar after me, I too, sprang to the shore just as the boat began to recede from it.  As I did so, I saw my companion rushing up a very steep and lofty bank.  Much impeded by the arms and dog, I followed him up the ascent and reached the top.  Around stretched a dead black level plain, on the left the fort, and figures were dimly visible about 200 yards away.  There was not much time to take in all this, for my companion, whispering me to follow him closely, commenced to move quickly along an irregular path which led from the river bank.  In a short time we:  had reached the vicinity of a few straggling houses whose white walls showed distinctly through the darkness; this, he told me, was Winnipeg.  Here was his residence, and here we were to separate.  Giving me a few hurried directions for further guidance, he pointed to the road before me as a starting-point, and then vanished into the gloom.  For a moment I stood at the entrance of the little village half irresolute what to do.  One or two houses showed lights in single windows, behind gleamed the lights of the steamer which had now reached the place of landing.  I commenced to walk quickly through the silent houses.