FORDING. 239 



across with horses, in order to carry ropes to the 

 other side with which to guide the raft — a somewhat 

 hazardous adventure, as the river was broad, and the 

 stream tremendously rapid; but before our prepara- 

 tions were completed on the following morning, a 

 half-breed made his appearance in our camp — a wel- 

 come sight after our solitary journey of three weeks. 

 He informed us that he w^as one of Mr. Macaulav's 

 party who were out hunting. The party had divided 

 at McLeod River, and were to meet at the Fort that 

 day. He advised us to cross the river some miles 

 higher up, beyond the lake, where the stream was 

 more tranquil, and thereby avoid the Eiver Maligne on 

 the other side, which it was very hazardous to attempt 

 to ford at this season. 



We accordingly raised camp, and proceeded, under 

 his guidance, along the bank of the river for four 

 or five miles. On the way we forded several streams, 

 or more probably mouths of one river, flowing 

 into the Athabasca from the south, very swollen 

 and rapid. We crossed them on horseback without 

 much difficulty, by carefully following om- guide ; 

 but Mr. O'B., having taken a rooted dislike to 

 equitation, since his horse lay down with him when 

 ascending the mountain, perversely resolved to wade 

 across. We pulled up on the further side and watched 

 him, as he followed, cautiousl}^ and fearfully, steady- 

 ing himself by the stout stick which he invariably 

 carried. He went on with great success until he 

 gained the middle of the stream, when he suddenly 

 plunged into a hole, where the water was nearly up to 

 his arm-pits. He cried out wildly, *' I'm drowning ! 



