OP THE POLAR SEA. 357 



Belanger I could hear, but when I read it in 

 another language, mingled with the pious resig- 

 nation of a good man, I could not sustain it any 

 longer. The poor man was much affected at the 

 death of our lamented companion, but his appe- 

 tite prevailed over every other feeling ; and, had 

 I permitted it, he would have done himself an 

 injury ; for after two hours' eating, principally 

 skin and sinews, he complained of hunger. The 

 day was cloudy, with snow and fresh breezes 

 from the north-east by east. 



The last evening, as well as this morning, the 

 19th, I mentioned my wishes to the men, that we 

 should proceed towards Rein-Deer Lake, but this 

 proposal met with a direct refusal. Belanger 

 stated his inability to move, and St, Germain 

 used similar language; adding, forthe first time, 

 that he did not know the route, and that it was 

 of no use to go in the direction I mentioned, 

 which was the one agreed upon between the 

 Commander and myself I then insisted that we 

 should go by the known route, and join the Com- 

 mander, but they would not hear of it; they 

 would remain where tliey were until they had 

 regained their strength; they said I wanted to 

 expose them again to death (faire perirj. In 

 vain did I use every argument to the contrary, 

 for they were equally heedless to all. Thus 



