166 Thirty Years 



supposed we should find the river. In consequence of 

 the bad state of the ice, we employed all the different 

 modes of traveling we had previously followed in at- 

 taining this place ; and, in crossing a point of land, 

 had the misfortune to lose one of the dogs, which set 

 off in puisuit of some reindeer. Arriving at the bay, 

 w r e only found a stream that fell into it from the 

 north-east, and looked in vain for the Copper-Mine 

 River. This circumstance confused the guide, and he 

 confessed that he was now doubtful of the proper 

 route ; we, therefore, halted, and despatched him, 

 with two men, to look for the river from the top of the 

 high hills near the Nest-rock. During this delay a 

 Blight injury was repaired, which one of the canoes had 

 received. We were here amused by the interesting 

 ppectacle of a wolf chasing two reindeer on the ice. 

 Tin' pursuer being alarmed at the sight of our men, 

 gave up tin' chase when near to the hindmost, much to 

 • nil- regret, for we were calculating upon the chance of 

 sharing in his capture. 



A I four P.M. our men returned, witli the agreeable 

 information that they had seen the river flowing at the 

 base of the Rock-nest. The canoes and stores were 

 immediately placed on the ice, and dragged thither ; 

 we then embarked, bu1 Boon had to cut through a bar- 

 rier of drifl ice thai blocked up the way. We after- 

 descended two strong rapids, and encamped 



