ON LAND ONCE MORE. 285 



its surface; so that it was with genuine satisfaction that 

 they beheld the opposite shores of the lake gradually 

 becoming more and more distinct, and soon they could 

 distinguish the more prominent features of the coast. 



In little more than five hours from leaving the mouth 

 of the Athabasca they landed on the northern shore of 

 that lake; but at what precise spot they could not 

 determine. 



Their proper course would have been north-westerly 

 to reach Fort Chepewyan ; but they had been driven 

 much to the eastward by the tempest, which had 

 veered from north-west to west during the previous 

 night. 



" 'Taint o' much account whur we ur edzactly," said 

 Jake. " I reckon we kin make tracks out one location 

 as well as out o' another." 



" At any rate," said Pierre, " we must remain here 

 until the storm abates. To-morrow we must search 

 the shores to the west, as I am certain the fort lies in 

 that direction." 



" This coon don't know what ye're a-gwine to do," 

 observed Jake ; " but he's a-gwine to see arter hevin' 

 somethin' to chaw. That ar lake wur a caution ! an' 

 now we're safe o' it, I feels kinder peckish !" 



The provisions were soon produced, and notwith- 

 standing that their exposure to the waves had some- 

 what damaged them, the three hunters made a hearty 

 meal. 



Wood was next cut, and a huge fire made in a 



