CHIPPEWYAN TO BLACK LAKE. 61 



their appearance on this uninhabited shore made a 

 realistic picture of desolation and sadness. 



On the morning of the 29th of June, high west winds 

 and heavy rain were again the order of the day, but 

 venturing out, we made a fast run before the wind and 

 reached the Fort in a heavy sea. Fond-du-Lac is a fort 

 only in name, and consists in all of two or three small 

 log shanties and a little log mission church, situated 

 on a bare, exposed sandy shore, without any shelter from 

 the fierce winter storms which hold high carnival in 

 this country six or seven months of the year. Having 

 already met the white residents of Fond-du-Lac on the 

 lake, most of their houses, few though they were, were 

 locked up or deserted. Two or three Indians and their 

 families were living at the place, and with one of them 

 letters were left with a hope that they might be taken 

 safely to Chippewyan, and thence forwarded by the 

 Hudson's Bay Company's autumn packet to Edmonton. 

 This was undoubtedly the last chance, though only a 

 chance, of sending any news to our friends until we 

 should return to civilization. 



From Fond-du-Lac eastward the lake is quite narrow, 

 having much the appearance of a broad river. It is 

 only five miles in width, but extends a distance of fifty 

 miles. On the south shore could be seen a large 

 group of Indian lodges, and at this camp was the home 

 of our guide. It was here that his family were to be 

 left, so we all went across to the Indians' encampment. 

 Moberly now appeared to be very indifferent as to 

 whether or not he should go any farther with us. 

 Indeed he seemed more inclined to remain with his 

 friends, for to accompany us meant more exertion for 



