390 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



the bank of the river through the deep snow was 

 a severe labour. When we came upon the ice, 

 where the snow was less deep, we got on better, 

 but after walking six hours we had only gained 

 four miles, and were then compelled by fatigue 

 to encamp on the borders of Round-Rock Lake. 

 Augustus tried for fish here, but without success, 

 so that our fare was skin and tea. Composing 

 ourselves to rest, we lay close to each other for 

 warmth. We found the night bitterly cold, and 

 the wind pierced through our famished frames. 



The next morning was mild and pleasant for 

 travelling, and we set out after breakfast. We 

 had not, however, gone many yards before I had 

 the misfortune to break my snow shoes by falling 

 between two rocks. This accident prevented me 

 from keeping pace with Benoit and Augustus, and 

 in the attempt I became quite exhausted. Being 

 convinced that their being delayed on my account 

 might prove of fatal consequence to the rest, I 

 resolved on returning to the house, and letting 

 them proceed alone in search of the Indians. I 

 therefore halted them only whilst I wrote a note 

 to Mr. Back, stating the reason of my return, and 

 requesting he would send meat from Rein-Deer 

 Lake by these men, if St. Germain should kill 

 any animals there. If Benoit should miss Mr. 

 Back, I directed him to proceed to Fort Provi- 



