278 Thirty Years 



small deer out of a herd, which came in sight as we 

 were on the point of starting. This unexpected sup- 

 ply reanimated the drooping spirits of our men, and 

 filled every heart with gratitude. 



The voyagers instantly petitioned for a day's rest, 

 which we were most reluctant to grant, heing aware 

 of the importance of every moment at tbis critical 

 period of our journey. But they so earnestly and 

 strongly pleaded their recent sufferings, and their con- 

 viction, that the quiet enjoyment of two substantial 

 meals, after eight days' famine, would enable them to 

 proceed next day more vigorously, that we could not 

 resist their entreaties. The flesh, the skins, and even 

 the contents of the stomachs of the deer were equally 

 distributed among the party by Mr. Hood, who had 

 volunteered, on the departure of Mr. Wentzel, to per- 

 form the duty of issuing the provision. This invidious 

 task he had all along performed with great impartiali- 

 ty, but seldom without producing some grumbling 

 amongst the Canadians ; and on the present occasion, 

 the hunters were displeased that the heads, and some 

 other parts, bad not been added to their portions. It 

 is proper to remark, that, Mr. Bood always took the 

 smallest portion lor bis own mess, but this weighed 

 little with these men, as long as their own appetites 

 remained unsatisfied. Wo all suffered much inconve- 

 nience from eating animal food after our Ion- absti- 

 nence, but particularly those men who indulged them- 



