296 Thirty Tears 



ing moved only a few yards in his absence, had fallen 

 down, was unable to rise, and could scarcely answer 

 his questions. Being unable to afford him any effec- 

 tual assistance, he hastened on to inform us of his situ- 

 ation. When J. B. Belanger had heard the melan- 

 choly account, he went immediately to aid Vaillant, 

 and bring up his burden. Respecting Credit, we were 

 informed by Samandre, that he had stopped a short 

 distance behind Vaillant, but that his intention was 

 to return to the encampment of the preceding even- 

 ing. 



When Belanger came back with Vaillant's load, he 

 iuformed us that he had found him lying on his back, 

 benumbed with cold, and incapable of being roused. 

 The stoutest men of the party were now earnestly en- 

 treated to bring him to the fire, but they declared 

 themselves unequal to the task ; and, on the contrary, 

 urged me to allow them to throw down their loads, 

 and proceed to Fort Enterprize with the utmost speed. 

 A compliance with their desire would have caused the 

 of the whole party, for the men were totally ig- 

 norant of the course to be taken, and none of the offi- 

 cers, who could have directed the march, were suffi- 

 ciently strong to keep up at the pace they would then 



walk J . even BUpposing them to have found 



their way, the Strongest men would certainly have 



bed the weak. Something, however, was abso- 



