CHAPTER XXI. 



Eeturn Voyage. — Farewell to Esquimaiix. — A Native Swell Mobsman.— 

 Beaufort, PuUen, and Hooper Islands. — " Logan " Farewell. — Fort 

 M'Pherson. — Honible Massacre of Esquimaux. — Reflections upon its 

 probable consequences. — Ascent of Mackenzie. — Corroborative Con- 

 fession of Manuel Hebert. — Arrival at Fort Simpson. — Remarks on 

 the late Expedition. — Arrangements for wintering. — Effect of cold 

 upon Metal. — Luxurious Diet. — Ice " sets fast." — A narrow Escape. — 

 Dogged Prejudices. 



We encamped in the evening near tlie spot where 

 our first meeting with this large band of Esquimaux 

 had occurred, and were joined some time after arrival 

 by a small party which, more attached to us than 

 the rest, or possibly (uncharitable thought), in the 

 hope of gaining further presents, had followed to see 

 the last of us. They remained with us during the 

 night, to the very great discomfiture of the Indians, 

 whose fears were so much excited by their presence, 

 that, notwithstanding the intense fatigue they had 

 lately undergone, one of them, more nervous than his 

 companion, refused to lie down to sleep, but kept 

 watch beside our camp-fire. The farewells interchanged 

 between ourselves and the few Esquimaux who had 



