They must be, therefore, in frequent communication with white men.

Their location was so far north that, as Richter plausibly inferred, they were extensive dealers in furs and peltries, which must be disposed of to traders and the agents of the American Fur and Hudson Bay Companies.

The Selkirk or Red river settlement also, must be at an easily accessible distance.
It may seem strange that it never occurred to the captives that the savages might do them harm.

In fact, nothing but violence itself would have convinced the missionary that such was contemplated.

He had yielded himself, heart and soul, to his work; he felt an inward conviction that he was to accomplish great good.