THROUGH THE FALL. 359 



men, and M c Kayand Sinclair took their stations 

 at each end of the boat with poles, to keep her 

 from dashing against the rocks. It was no 

 common attempt, and excited in me the most 

 lively concern for their safety. Repeatedly did 

 the strength of the current hurl the boat within 

 an inch of destruction, and as often did these 

 able and intrepid men ward off the threatened 

 danger. Still, amongst the many descents, she 

 did not escape without some severe shocks, in 

 one of which the remaining keel plate was en- 

 tirely stripped away ; but cool, collected, prompt 

 to understand and obey the mutual signs which 

 each made to the other with the hand — for their 

 voices were inaudible — the gallant fellows finally 

 succeeded in guiding her down in safety to the 

 last fall. There she was taken out of the water, 

 and, with the assistance of Mr. King and myself, 

 was, though with difficulty, carried below it. 

 On our return to the baggage, I gave the men a 

 good glass of grog, with praises which they had 

 well earned ; and all being weary with exertion, 

 we encamped for the night. 



At 3 h 30 ra a.m. of the 23d, the people began 

 carrying the pemmican and boxes across, a task 

 which the loose and slippery stones made by no 

 means easy ; and aware that it would take them 

 till noon to complete the work, I gladly availed 

 myself of the opportunity to obtain observations ; 



A A 4 



