152 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



Providence; and to these was subjoined an order 

 for a few articles of clothing, as an additional 

 present. I then endeavoured to prevail upon the 

 Hook to remain in this vicinity with his hunters 

 until the autumn, and to make deposits of pro- 

 vision in different parts of the course to the sea, 

 as a resource for our party, in the event of our 

 being compelled to return by this route. He re- 

 quired time, however, to consider this matter, 

 and promised to give me an answer next day. 

 I was rejoiced to find him then prepared to meet 

 my wish, and the following plan was agreed 

 upon .—As the animals abound, at all times, on 

 the borders of Bear Lake, they promised to re- 

 main on the east side of it until the month of 

 November, at that spot which is nearest to the 

 Copper-Mine River, from whence there is a com- 

 munication by a chain of lakes and portages. 

 There the principal deposit of provision was to be 

 made; but during the summer the hunters were 

 to be employed in putting up supplies of dried 

 meat at convenient distances, not only along the 

 commumcation from this river, but also upon its 

 ^anks, as far down as the Copper Mountain. 

 liey were also to place particular marks to guide 

 our course to their lodges. We contracted to repay 

 them hberahy, whether we returned by this way 

 or not; If we did, they were to accompany us to 



