CHIPEWYAN TO BLACK LAKE 



to continue with us against his inclinations, nor could we 

 gain anything by punishing him for his deception, though 

 punishment he richly deserved. He was given one last oppor- 

 tunity of deciding to go with us, but still refusing, we parted 

 ■company with him without wasting strong language which 

 he would not have understood. 



With our three canoes only, we thereupon commenced the 

 ascent of what had been named the Stone River, the outlet 

 •of Black Lake. We had gone but a short distance when we 



INDIAN LOG HOUSE. 



were met by a canoe and four Indians coming down with the 

 ■current. They appeared to be delighted to see us, and turn- 

 ing back accompanied us to the first rapid, where a short 

 portage had to be made. In this they willingly assisted us, 

 and for their labor were liberally rewarded with tea, tobacco 

 and a few lumps of sugar. They volunteered to return 

 on the following day and assist us in crossing some 

 longer portages, the first of which we would meet before 

 nightfall. Of this offer we were quite glad, and promised 

 good pay for the work as inducement for them to keep the 

 -engagement, but in the meantime they went down to the log 



59 



