OR, THE LAKE LANDS OF CANADA. 105 



necessary for us to go forward in order that we might 

 reach the end of our journey this day before nightfall. 

 We were now about twenty-seven miles from Maganet- 

 awan, and nearly twenty-one from Spence, the home of 

 Captain George Ross, whom I had engaged as our chief 

 guide. It is not yet certain whether we shall remain to- 

 night at Spence or go on to Maganetawan, inasmuch as I 

 have not consulted with the captain in regard to our future 

 movements. The team plodded steadily along the moun- 

 tain-road to-day. Neither Mr. Struce nor Mildenberger 

 have ridden in the wagon. They started on foot and so 

 continue to journey on. 



It was about three o'clock when we arrived at Spence, 

 a small hamlet, consisting of a wayside hotel, post-office, 

 and about half a dozen log cabins. We halted at the hotel 

 for our dinner, while Chris took this opportunity to feed his 

 team. Immediately after our arrival I succeeded in finding 

 a messenger, whom I sent to Captain Ross's residence, 

 which is situated about one-half mile from the hotel, with 

 instructions to bring him to me. The messenger returned, 

 after an absence of about forty minutes, accompanied by a 

 young man, who informed me that the captain was away 

 from home, engaged in a deer-hunt, but would certainly 

 return within a few hours, as he was expecting the arrival 

 of my party on the following day. After a brief con- 

 sultation with the young man, who informed me that 

 he was now staying at the captain's house, and had re- 

 ceived instructions prior to the captain's departure that 

 should we arrive during his absence he — the young man 

 — was to make us comfortable, I determined to halt at 



