350 Thirty Years 



comprehend the information. When the Indians en- 

 tered, he attempted to rise but sank down again. But 

 for this seasonable interposition of Providence, his ex- 

 istence must have terminated in a few hours, and that 

 of the rest probably in not many days. 



The Indians had left Akaitcho's encampment on the 

 5th November, having been sent by Mr. Back with all 

 possible expedition, after he had arrived at their tents. 

 They brought but a small supply of provisions, that 

 they might travel quickly. It consisted of dried deer's 

 meat, some fat, and a few tongues. Dr. Kichardson, 

 Hepburn, and I, eagerly devoured the food, which 

 they imprudently presented to us, in too great abun- 

 dance, and in consequence we suffered dreadfully from 

 indigestion, and had no rest the whole night. Adam 

 being unable to feed himself, was more judiciously 

 treated by them, and suffered less ; his spirits reviv- 

 ed hourly. The circumstance of our eating more food 

 than was proper in our present condition, was another 

 striking proof of the debility of our minds. We were 

 perfectly aware of the danger, and Dr. Richardson re- 

 peatedly cautioned us to be moderate ; but he was 

 himself unable to practise the caution lie bo judicious- 

 ly recommend* d. 



Boudel-kell, the youngest of the Indians, after rest- 

 in" about an hour, returned to Akaitcho with the in- 

 telligence of our situation, and he conveyed a QOtC 



