CROSSING OPEN WATER 117 



current the Indians would not risk crossing on 

 the lake ice at present — a month later, yes ! 

 Therefore the party halted at a narrow neck 

 between two lakes, through which open, fast- 

 flowing water passed. Here it was planned to 

 cross by raft ; and speedily, with the faultless 

 precision of men who knew exactly what they 

 wanted, some trees were felled and the construc- 

 tion of a raft begun. Eight stout logs were cut 

 and laid together over cross-poles at either end 

 and bound firmly in position. This done another 

 tier of logs was placed on top so that the total 

 timbers would float the weight of a man. The 

 completed raft was about 2 ft. 6 in. x 9 ft. 6 in. 

 Satisfied all was then in readiness to go forward, 

 and as time was not pressing, for it was still 

 night, everyone adjourned to the blazing fire 

 which two of the Indians had kindled, and 

 partook of tea and food. How welcome was fire 

 and tea in the bitter cold morning to both Indian 

 and white. 



The picture about the fire was striking. A 

 group of fur- clad, gracefully athletic-looking 

 Indians standing or squatting near their firearms 

 beneath the gloom of dark-boughed spruce forest 

 which night had not yet left ; feather-flaked 

 snow falling lightly, stippling the air in its sus- 

 tained, unhurried descent, and whitening the 

 hooded heads and shoulders of the men ; 

 inside the circle leaped the eager flames of the 

 log-fire, lightening the underside of the nearest 

 snow-laden spruce boughs, and casting a glowing 

 touch of light on the meditative, strong, bronze- 

 dark faces of the Redskins. 



