350 | Thirty Years 
comprehend the information. When the Indians en- 
tered, he attempted to rise but sank downagain. 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. Richardson, 
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 he so judicious- 
ly recommended, 
Boudel-kell, the youngest of the Indians, after rest- 
ing about an hour, returned to Akaitcho with the in- 
telligence of our situation, and he conveyed a note 
