I knew that Reuben would take delight in the excursion, so I hurried to the settlement to see if he could come.  His father was very willing to give him leave, as it might turn his thoughts from the wilder and more dangerous adventures on which he was set.  He had, some time before this, obtained a birch-bark canoe, which Kepenau, and sometimes Ashatea, had taught him how to use; and as he was constantly practising, he was by this time well able to employ his paddle.  We obtained leave to take Mike Laffan with us, too; and thus, with the Indian, we made a party of four in the two canoes.