AKAlTCHo's FRIENDLY CAUTION. 313 



sion for cautioning them against running any 

 rapid for the future, without first studying the 

 lead of the current. 



The river appearing to be free from ice, as far 

 as could be discerned from the heights, I thought 

 it unnecessary to take all the spare people on 

 with me, and therefore left the interpreter with 

 others to remain at Akaitcho's lodges until the 

 carpenters, who were wanted to inspect the boat, 

 should return with further instructions for their 

 guidance. Seeing that I was about to depart, 

 Akaitcho looked very melancholy, and cautioned 

 me against the dangers of a river which he 

 plainly told me none of the present race of 

 Indians had the least knowledge of: especially 

 did he warn me against Esquimaux treachery, 

 which, he said, was always perpetrated under the 

 disguise of friendship ; and " when you least 

 expect it," added he, " they will attack you. 

 I am afraid I shall never see you again," he 

 continued; " but should you escape from the 

 great water, take care you are not caught by the 

 winter, and thrown into a situation like that in 

 which you were on your return from the Copper- 

 mine, for you are alone, and the Indians cannot 

 help you." Having endeavoured to quiet his 

 apprehensions by acquainting him with my in- 

 tended precautions, and my determination to 

 keep to the river in the event of any accident to 



