368 Thirty Years 
kindled a fire ; but it was late before he even felt warm, 
though he was so near the flame as to burn his hair 
twice ; and to add to our distress, three wolves crossed 
the lake close to us. 
The night of the 7th was extremely stormy, and 
about ten the following morning, on attempting to go 
on, we found it totally impossible, being too feeble to 
oppose the wind and drift, which frequently blew us 
over, and on attempting to cross a small lake that lay 
in our way,.drove us faster backwards than under all 
advantages we could get forwards ; therefore we en- 
camped under the shelter ofa small clump of pines, 
secure from the south-west storm that was raging 
around us. In the evening, from there being no tripe 
de roche, we were compelled to satisfy, or rather al- 
lay, the cravings of hunger, by eating a gun cover and 
a pair of old shoes ; at this time I had hardly strength 
to get on my legs. 
The wind did not in the least abate during the night, 
but in the morning of the 9th it changed to north-east, 
and became moderate. We took advantage of this 
circumstance, and rising with great difficulty, set out, 
though had it not been for the hope of reaching the 
house, I am certain, from the excessive faintness 
which almost overpowered me, that I must have re- 
mained where I was. We passed the Slave. Rock, 
and making frequent halts, arrived within a short dise 
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