330 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 
provisions, and at the end of the portage they 
were ready to embark ; whilst it was necessary 
for our people to return four times, before they 
could transport the weighty cargo with which we 
were burthened. After passing through another 
expansion of the river, and over the Steep Portage 
of one hundred and fifteen yards, we encamped on 
a small rocky isle, just large enough to hold our 
party, and the Indians took possession of an 
adjoining rock. We were now distant. thirty 
miles from Fort Providence. 
As soon as the tents were pitched, the officers 
and men were divided into watches for the night; 
a precaution intended to be taken throughout the 
journey, not merely to. prevent our being sur- 
prised by strangers, but also to show our com- 
ions that we were constantly on our guard. 
The chief, who suffered nothing to escape his 
observation, remarked, “ that he should sleep 
without anxiety among the Esquimaux, for he 
perceived no enemy could surprise us.” 
After supper we retired to rest, but our sleep 
was soon interrupted by the Indians joining in 
loud lamentations over a sick child, whom they 
Supposed to be dying. Dr. Richardson, how- 
ever, immediately went to the boy, and adminis- 
tered some medicine which relieved his pain, 
