050 THE LABRADOR PENINSULA. CHAP. xx. 



A fine looking schooner came into the harbour on the 

 afternoon of the 16th bound for Mingan with a cargo of 

 salt. I hastened on board as soon as she cast anchor, 

 and made arrangements with the captain for a passage 

 for my party, canoes and baggage. We went on board 

 at night-fall in order to take advantage of the rising tide, 

 and a probable change of wind in the early morning ; but 

 we were disappointed ; the wind continued unfavourable, 

 so that we employed the time in fishing for cod. Pere 

 Arnaud shortly before noon set sail for Bersamits in an 

 open boat, with a number of Montagnais. 



The whole Indian population of Seven Islands were 

 about to disperse as soon as the priest had taken his 

 departure, birch-bark lodges were taken down, canoes 

 were launched, and their little store of worldly goods 

 were all embarked ready for a start the moment the 

 Pere left the shore. 



A salute was fired by the Indians, which was repeated 

 again and again. They watched the boat until it had 

 reached half way across the bay, when, one by one, they 

 walked slowly to their canoes. The Nasquapees were 

 going to the Moisie some of them to retrace their steps 

 to Ashwanipi and Petichikapau. Domenique was going 

 to Minsan, Bartelrni to the east branch of the Moisie. 



D ' 



Otelne and Arkaske intended to remain at Seven Islands. 

 Most of the other Montagnais were going up the St. Mar- 

 guerite to hunt. In a few hours Seven Islands would 

 be comparatively deserted the few people remaining 

 being the custom house officer, his family and servants, 

 a trader or two, and a few fishermen. 



