It has often been remarked by the Indians, and others,
that the red and black squirrels never live in the same place; for the
red, though the smallest, beat away the black ones. The flesh of the black
squirrel is very good to eat; the Indians also eat the red."
Lady Mary was very glad to hear all these things, and quite forgot to play
with her doll. "Please, Mrs. Frazer," said the little lady, "tell me now
about beavers and muskrats." But Mrs. Frazer was obliged to go out on
business; she promised, however, to tell Lady Mary all she knew about
these animals another day.
CHAPTER V.
INDIAN BASKETS--THREAD PLANTS--MAPLE SUGAR-TREE--INDIAN ORNAMENTAL WORKS
--RACOONS.
It was some time before Lady Mary's nurse could tell her any more stories.
She received a letter from her sister-in-law, informing her that her
brother was dangerously ill, confined to what was feared would prove his
deathbed, and that he earnestly desired to see her before he died. The
Governor's lady, who was very kind and good to all her household, readily
consented to let Mrs. Frazer go to her sick relation.
Lady Mary parted from her dear nurse, whom she loved very tenderly, with
much regret. Mrs. Frazer told her that it might be a fortnight before she
could return, as her brother lived on the shores of one of the small
lakes, near the head waters of the Otonabee river, a great way off; but
she promised to return as soon as she could, and, to console her young
mistress for her absence, promised to bring her some Indian toys from the
backwoods.
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