OF THE POLAR SEA. 357 



arrived. He and myself immediately addressed 

 thanksgiving to the throne of mercy for this de- 

 liverance, but poor Adam was in so low a state 

 that he could scarcely comprehend the informa- 

 tion. When the Indians entered, he attemjr 

 to rise but sank down again. But for this .-< 

 sonable interposition of Providence, his existon. 

 must have terminated in a few hours, and that of 

 the rest probably in not many days. 



The Indians had left Akaitcho's encampment 

 on the 5th November, having been sent by Mr. 

 Back with all possible expedition, after he had 

 arrived at their tents. They brought but a small 

 supply of provision that they might travel quickly. 

 It consisted of dried deer's meat, some fat, and a 

 few tongues. Dr. Richardson, Hepburn, and I, 

 eagerly devoured the food, which they impni- 

 dently presented to us, in too great abundanc 

 and in consequence we suffered dreadfully \u 

 indigestion, and had no rest the whole nigh: 

 Adam being unable to feed himself, was more 

 judiciously treated by them, and suffered less; 

 his spirits revived hourly. The circumstance of 

 our eating more food than was proper m our pre- 

 sent condition, was another striking proof of the 

 debility of our minds. We were perfectly aware 

 of the danger, and Dr. Richardson repeatedly 

 cautioned us to be moderate ; but he was himself 



