62 Mackenzie’s Voyages They promised to go for their furs and other articles which they wished to trade, and be at this point in two months’ time when Mackenzie expected to be passing on his way up. “There was a youth among them in the capacity of a slave whom our Indians understood better than any of the natives of this country whom they had yet seen. He was invited to accompany us, but took the first opportunity to conceal himself and we saw him no more.” The guide renewed his complaints, assuring Mackenzie that the Eskimos, “whom he represented to be a very wicked and malignant people, would put us all to death. Two summers since a large party of these came up the river and killed many of his relatives.” Next day other lodges were seen. ‘“‘We were informed that they were of a different tribe, called the Hare Indians, as hares and fish are their principal support, from the scarcity of reindeer and beaver. A small quantity of our usual presents were received by them with great satisfaction.” The guide who had become troublesome was here exchanged for another, who at once repented of his bargain, but “‘we paid very little attention to his remonstrances, and compelled him to embark.” A hunting party of eight encountered the following day told them wonderful stories of danger and terror. “‘We were now informed that behind the opposite island there was a Manitoe or Spirit in the river which swallowed every person that approached it.” In the course of the night during a violent thunderstorm the new guide escaped. “We therefore compelled another of these people, very much against his will, to supply the place of his fugitive companion.” A party of natives of a more pleasing appearance was