THE FIRST FRANKLIN EXPEDITION 257 



Dr. Richardson had a tragic tale to unfold. He stated that 

 for the first two days after Franklin's departure his party had noth- 

 ing to eat. On the third day Michel arrived with a hare and part- 

 ridge, which afforded each a small morsel. The fourth day they 

 fasted. On the nth Michel offered them some flesh, which he 

 declared to be part of a wolf; but they afterwards had good reason 

 to suspect it was the flesh of one of the unfortunate men who had 

 left Franklin to return to Richardson. They noticed that Michel 

 daily grew more furtive and insolent, and were convinced that he 

 had a supply of meat for his own use. On the 2Oth, while Hepburn 

 was felling wood, he heard the report of a gun, and, turning quickly 

 round, saw Michel dart into the tent. Mr. Hood was found dead; 

 a ball had penetrated the back of his skull: there could not be the 

 shadow of a doubt that Michel had fired it. He now grew more 

 suspicious and impatient of control . than ever; and as he was 

 stronger than any other of the party, and well-armed, they arrived 

 at the conviction that their safety depended upon his death. "I 

 determined," said Dr. Richardson, "as I was thoroughly convinced 

 of the necessity of such a dreadful act, to take the whole responsi- 

 bility upon myself; and immediately upon Michel's coming up I 

 put an end to his life by shooting him through the head." 



They occupied six days in traveling twenty-four miles, exist- 

 ing on lichens and pieces of Mr. Hood's skin cloak. On the even- 

 ing of the 29th they came in sight of the fort, and at first felt inex- 

 pressible pleasure on seeing the smoke issue from the chimney. But 

 the absence of any footprints in the snow filled their hearts with 

 sad forebodings, which were fully realized when they entered the 

 hut and saw the wretchedness that reigned there. 



The exploring party was now reduced to four Franklin, 

 Richardson, Hepburn and an Indian; and that these could long sur- 

 vive seemed impossible, from their absolute weakness and lack of 

 food. Happily, on the 7th of November three Indians arrived, 

 whom Mr, Back had despatched from Chipewyan with supplies; 



