238 ACROSS THE SUB-ARCTICS OF CANADA. 







formed himself into a veritable ice-anchor, and with 

 Herculean strength held us fast until others sprang out 

 to his assistance. 



All hands quickly disembarked, but as there was still 

 between us and the shore a full mile of rough ice, liable 

 to break adrift at any moment, no time was lost in ex- 

 ultation. The boat was unloaded, hauled up and the 

 tramp commenced for the shore. After much exertion 



HUDSONS BAY COMPANY S STORE, YORK FACTORY. 



we reached land, and every man felt a thrill of exulta- 

 tion that the Nelson was at last to the north of us. 



We were all much chilled from exposure, so a fire was 

 made in the edge of the woods. Spruce boughs were 

 strewn about it to keep our feet from the snow, and 

 the cheerful warmth was most gratefully enjoyed. 



A little of the pounded dried-fish still remaining was 

 fried on a pan with seal oil, the combination forming a 

 dish that might be described as fish -flavored chips 

 steeped in oil, but with appetites such as ours it could 

 be eaten though I will not say relished. 



