146 EXPLORATION OF THE PRAIRIES, 1879 



until late in the afternoon without finding any water, but then 

 we reached a fine creek flowing in a deep channel through the 

 plain. We suspected that this was Eagle Creek and began to 

 have an idea of our whereabouts. The horses could scramble 

 through by sliding down the bank, but they would be unable to 

 pull the cart, so Matheson and I took off our boots and carried 

 the stuff across and drew the cart and buckboard across also. 

 By the time we had done this, we discovered that our legs and 

 feet were literally covered with leeches. Of course, I was badly 

 frightened, but Matheson only laughed at me for my fears and 

 asked me if I had a jack-knife. Of course I had, and he told me 

 that all that had to be done was to scrape them off. We always 

 did that when we passed through places where there were leeches. 



Next morning, we were on our way again and passed through 

 the Bear Hills and found some water, but no wood. At length, 

 we reached a trail which was well beaten and Matheson, when 

 he looked at it, said that it was the main trail to Edmonton and 

 therefore, it would take us to Battleford. This trail extends 

 south of the Eagle Hills, whereas there is no trail going to Battle- 

 ford which goes along the base of the Eagle Hills. After reaching 

 the trail, we had no difficulty and finally arrived at Battleford, 

 where I found my flour and oatmeal in the store. 



At this time, the Hon. David Laird was Governor of the 

 North West Territories and lived at Battleford. Inspector 

 Walker, of the North West Mounted Police, was then building 

 the fort in the forks between the Saskatchewan and the Battle 

 Rivers, as he expected an outbreak amongst the Indians 

 at that time. When I told Gov. Laird that I was going to go 

 south from Battleford to the Red Deer, he told me that it was 

 very unwise as White Bear, the Indian Chief (who afterwards 

 caused the rebellion in 1885) was at Sounding Lake, with a large 

 number of Indians and, as this lake was on my way to the south, 

 he said that it would be very dangerous for me. They were on 

 the watch at Battleford all the time, and the women were very 

 much afraid. I told him that I was under orders and I was bound 

 to carry them out no matter what happened, so Matheson and I 

 started south on a trail that the Blackfeet used when they came 



