CHAPTER XI.
Departure of Mr.R.Stuart for the Interior .-- Occupations at Astoria .-- Arrival of Messrs.

Donald M'Kenzie and Robert M'Lellan .-- Account of their Journey .-- Arrival of Mr.Wilson P.
Hunt.
The natives having given us to understand that beaver was very abundant in the country watered by the Willamet, Mr.R.Stuart procured a guide, and set out, on the 5th of December, accompanied by Messrs.

Pillet and M'Gillis and a few of the men, to ascend that river and ascertain whether or no it would be advisable to establish a trading-post on its banks.

Mr.R.Bruguier accompanied them to follow his pursuits as a trapper.
The season at which we expected the return of the Tonquin was now past, and we began to regard as too probable the report of the Indians of Gray's Harbor.

We still flattered ourselves, notwithstanding, with the hope that perhaps that vessel had sailed for the East Indies, without touching at Astoria; but this was at most a conjecture.
The 25th, Christmas-day, passed very agreeably: we treated the men, on that day, with the best the establishment afforded.