GOING UP THE LOWER SLAVE 275 



A Lynx, which we surprised on a sand-bar, took to 

 the water without hesitation and swam to the main- 

 land. It went as fast as a dog, but not nearly so fast 

 as a Caribou. A large Fox that we saw crossing the 

 river proved very inferior to the Lynx in swimming 

 speed. 



The two portages, Ennuyeux and Detour, were duly 

 passed, and on the morning of October 3, as we trav- 

 elled, a sailboat hove into sight. It held Messrs. 

 Thomas Christy, C. Harding, and Stagg. We were now 

 within IJ days of Fort Smith, so I took advantage of 

 the opportunity to send Sanderson back. On the 

 evening of the 3d we came to Salt River, and there 

 we saw Pierre Squirrel with his hundred dogs and at 

 1 p. M., October 4, arrived at Fort Smith. 



lis ^/'■-"■-W 



Tracks of Blackbear, Athabaska River 



