The Attractions of York Factory. 



147 



burning blue lights to attract attention, in the hope that lights 

 would be exhibited on shore by which we might be guided ; run- 

 ning on rocks and shoals, and anchoring until the incoming tide 

 would float us off again; now hoisting the sails, and then shortening 

 them, as the case required. Thus we put in the night in a sorry- 

 plight, indeed. At ten o'clock tea was made over the fire-kettle, 



ARRIVAL OF OCEAN NYMPH— YORKjFACTORr. 



and served with bread, butter, and canned beef. At one o'clock 

 coffee was likewise made, and served with pie. On the outward 

 trip one of the men had shot a fine goose. This was picked, cleaned, 

 and roasted or cooked in some way over the fire-kettle, and devoured 

 by the men. By these diversions the night was worn away, enliv- 

 ened now and then, despite our condition, by songs and jokes. 



At three o'clock in the morning we reached the landing, and 

 walked up through the gate into the great yard, on the broad board 

 walks of York Factory, greeted, as ever, by a host of contemptible 

 husky dogs, growling and snarling and yelping. We were well 

 entertained, and slept soundly until eight o'clock, when we were 



