In the Arctic Regions. 355 
the whole party left the house after breakfast. Our 
feelings on quitting the Fort, where we had formerly 
enjoyed much comfort, if not happiness, and, latterly, 
experienced a degree of misery scarcely to be paralelled, 
may be more easily conceived than described. The 
Indians treated us with the utmost tenderness, gave 
us their snow-shoes and walked without themselves, 
keeping by our sides, that they might lift us when we 
fell. Wedescended Winter River, and, about noon, 
crossed the head of Round-Rock Lake, distant about 
three miles from the house, where we were obliged to 
halt, as Dr. Richardson was unable to proceed. The 
swellings in his limbs rendered him by much the weak- 
est of the party. The Indians prepared our encamp- 
ment, cooked for us, and fed us as if we had been 
children ; evincing humanity that would have done 
honor to the most*civilized people. The night was 
mild, and fatigue made us sleep soundly. 
From this period to the 26th of November we 
gradually continued. to improve, under the kindness’ 
and attention of our Indians. On this day we arrived 
in safety at the abode of our chief and companion, 
Akaitcho. We were received by the party assembled 
in the leader’s tent, with looks of compassion, and 
profound silence, which lasted about a quarter of an 
hour, and by which they meant to express their condo- 
lence for our sufferings. The conversation did not be- 
