CHAPTER XX. 



Leave Fort Simpson. — Ascent of Mackenzie. — Receive Admiralty 

 Despatches. — Mr. Pullen promoted. — Return to Fort Simpson. — Tlie 

 "Logan" and "Try Again." — Departure for the Sea Coast. — Point Sepa- 

 ration. — Tiny Tormentors. — A diminutive Gourmand. — Re-enter the 

 Arctic Ocean. — Garry Island. — Ice Blink. — Pelly Island. — A change 

 of Climate. — Discover New Islands. — An Esquimaux Hamlet. — 

 Vexatious Impediments. — Scheme of Voyage. — Heavy Ice. — An 

 Esquimaux Nurse. — Cape Bathurst, Meeting with Esquimaux. — The 

 Bear Hunt. — Progress checked by Ice. — Friendly demeanour and 

 Pilfering tendencies of Esquimaux. — Lose Indians. — Conjectures. — 

 Indians return. 



Dr. Rae returned from the lower posts on the 

 10th of June, and on the 20th, half of the "Mac- 

 kenzie River Brigade," consisting of four large boats 

 laden with furs, started from Fort Simpson, en route 

 for Methy Portage, the other half having departed 

 some days before. The "Plover's" boat expedition 

 accompanied this brigade, expecting to return to 

 England, by way of Hudson's Bay. We continued 

 the ascent of the Mackenzie, — principally, as usual, by 

 tracking, starting generally at two or three in the 

 morning and encamping at nine, for at this season 

 there is constant daylight. On the 25th of June, 



