ACKOSS THE SUB-ARCTICS OF CANADA 



The south shore was still hidden by dense volumes of 

 vapor, and nothing could he seen in that direction hut the 

 adjacent fields of ice. On the north shore the dark outline 

 of Elamhoro' Head could stiU be discerned, and it was 

 resolved- thence to beat our retreat. We were, however, 

 unable to sail against the wind; but taking to the oars, we 

 managed, after a prolonged and difficult struggle, to regain 

 the place whence we had started. 



Once more on land a camp was made, and a fire kindled 

 to thaw out our stiffened limbs, while we awaited an oppor- 

 tunity to cross. The mist continued the rest of the day, pre- 

 venting us from making a second attempt, and so we lay up 

 for the night. 



Next morning the fog had cleared away, revealing a 

 dismal sight. On the south side the river was frozen over, 

 and the ice firmly set for a mile or more from shore, while 

 the channel to the north was running full of heavy ice, 

 making it quite impossible to use the boat, and equally 

 impossible to effect a crossing on foot. 



We had no alternative' but to remain where we were and 

 hope for a change in the condition of the river. Not the 

 least unpleasant feature of this waiting was that our pro- 

 visions were now gone. 



The men were at once sent out to hunt, and returned in 

 the evening with nine ptarmigan, with which a good Vouillon 

 was made for supper. Besides this, Eli, the Indian boy, 

 gave us some comforting information as to the existence of 

 a fish cache of his father's, not far distant. With this con- 

 soling knowledge we rolled up in our blankets and were soon 

 dreaming of better times. 



The next morning, there being no change in the river, two 

 men and the dogs were sent after William's fish cache, and 

 four others went off hunting, while the rest remained at 

 camp collecting wood and keeping the fire burning. 



We had nothing to eat this day until evening, when the 



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