ACEOSS THE SUB-ARCTICS OF CANADA 



ing for rations and shelter, was the treatment of poor 

 Michel's frozen feet, which upon examination were found to 

 be in a shocking condition. Fortunately, in a pocked; medi- 

 cine-case the proper remedies for treating him were found, 

 and with attention and care his condition from the first 

 began to improve, though it was evident that at best it would 

 be many weeks, if not months, before he would again be able 

 to walk. 



Our situation and prospects of advancement were thor- 

 oughly discussed with the trader, as well as at the mission, 

 and it was resolved that we should proceed southward on 

 foot as soon as the condition of the party (and that of the 

 Churchill River, now running full of ice) would admit. 

 We, therefore, lost no time in getting into training for the 

 tramp, which would cover nearly one thousand miles. Daily 

 walks were prescribed for all but Michel, and the stronger 

 of the men were sent out to shoot ptarmigan, so that they 

 might not only exercise their limbs, but, at the same time, 

 supplement their daily rations, in which endeavors they 

 were quite successful. 



As regards my brother and myself, our short constitu- 

 tionals almost invariably ended at the Mission House, where 

 many pleasant hours were spent with Mr. and Mrs. Loft-- 

 house and their little daughter Marjorie. 



From the time of the establishment of the Churchill Mis- 

 sion — ^the history of which would of itself form an interest- 

 ing chapter — to the time of our visit, Mr. and Mrs. Loft- 

 house had been devoting their lives to the noble work of 

 teaching and helping the natives, both Indians and Eskimos, 

 wherever they found them, and already the fruits of their 

 labors were apparent. 



Close to their home stood a neat substantial church, 

 capable of seating three himdred people, and every nail in 

 the structure, which would be a credit to many a village in 

 Ontario, was driven by the missionary's own hand. Part 



196 



