238 ACROSS THE SUB-ARCTICS OF CANAD 
formed himself into a veritable ice-anchor, and with 
Herculean strength held us fast until others sprang out 
to his assistance. | 
All hands quickly disembarked, but as there was still 
between us and the shore a full mile of rough ice, liable 
to break adrift at any moment, no time was lost in ex- 
ultation. The boat was unloaded, hauled up and the 
tramp commenced for the shore. After much exertion 
HUDSON’S BAY COMPANY’S STORE, YORK FACTORY. 
we reached land, and every man felt a thrill of exulta- 
tion that the Nelson was at last to the north of us. 
We were all much chilled from exposure, so a fire was 
made in the edge of the woods. Spruce boughs were 
strewn about it to keep our feet from the snow, and 
the cheerful warmth was most gratefully enjoyed. 
A little of the pounded dried-fish still remaining was 
fried on a pan with seal oil, the combination forming a 
dish that might be described as fish-flavored chips 
steeped in oil, but with appetites such as ours it could 
be eaten—though I will not say relished. 
