THE RIVER 287 



The Ducks began to pass over about noon, and be- 

 came more numerous than the Geese as they went on. 



In the midst of this myriad procession, as though 

 they were the centre and cause of all, were two splendid 

 White Cranes, bugling as they flew. Later that day 

 we saw another band, of three, but these were all; 

 their race is nearly run. 



The full moon was on and all night the wild-fowl 

 flew. The frost was close behind them, sharp and sud- 

 den. Next morning the ponds about us had ice an 

 inch thick and we heard of it three inches at other 

 places. 



But the sun came out gloriously and when at ten 

 we landed at Fort McMurray the day was warm and 

 perfect in its autumnal peace. 



Miss Gordon, the postmaster, did not recognise us 

 at first. She said we all looked "so much older, it is 

 always so with folks who go north." 



Next morning we somehow left our tent behind. 

 It was old and of little value, so we did not go back, 

 and the fact that we never really needed it speaks 

 much for the sort of weather we had to the end of the 

 trip. 



A couple of Moose (cow and calf) crossed the river 

 ahead of us, and Billy went off in hot pursuit; but saw 

 no more of them. 



Tracks of animals were extremely abundant on the 

 shore here. Large Wolves became quite numerous, 

 evidently we were now in their country. Apparently 

 they had killed a Moose, as their dung was full of Moose 

 hair. 



