OF THE POLAR SEA. 



61 



to the sea, for the whole party will perish/' 

 After this discussion, however, he was more 

 circumspect in his conduct. 



On the 28th we received a small supply 

 of meat from the Indian lodges. They had 

 now moved into a lake, about twelve miles 

 from us, in expectation of the deer coming 

 soon to the northward. 



On the 29th Akaitcho arrived at the 

 house, having been sent for to make some 

 arrangements respecting the procuring of 

 provision, and that we might learn what his 

 sentiments were with regard to accompany- 

 ing us on our future journey. Next morn- 

 ing we had a conference, which I com- 

 menced by showing him the charts and 

 drawings that were prepared to be sent to 

 England, and explaining fully our future 

 intentions. He appeared much pleased 

 at this mark of attention, and when his cu- 

 riosity was satisfied, began his speech by 

 saying, that " although a vast number of 

 idle rumours had been floating about the 

 barren grounds during the winter," he was 

 convinced that the representations made to 



