North-West Continent of America*. 199 



CHAPTER VII. 



Make preparations to build a canoe. Engage m that im- 

 portant-work. It proceeds zvith great expedition. The 

 guide who had deserted arrives with another Indian. He 

 communicates agreeable intelligence. They take an op- 

 portunity to quit the island. Complete the canoe. Leave 

 the island, which was now named the Canoe Island. Oblig- 

 ed to put the people on short allowance. Account of the 

 navigation. Difficult ascent of a rapid. Fresh per- 

 plexities. Continue our voyage up the river. Meet the 

 guide and some of his friends. Conceal some pemmican 

 and other articles. Make preparations for proceeding 

 over land. Endeavour to secure the canoe till our return* 

 Proceed on our journey. Various circumstances of it, 



June, 1793.-) A < , ■ t a 



Friday 28. 3 a very early hour or the morning every 



man was employed in making preparations for building 

 another canoe, and different parties went in search of wood, 

 watape, and gum. At two in the afternoon they all re- 

 turned successful, except the collectors of gum, and of that 

 article it was feared we should not obtain here a sufficient 

 supply for our immediate wants. After a necessary por- 

 tion of time allotted for refreshment, each began his re- 

 spective work. I had an altitude at noon, which made us 

 in 53. 2. 32. North latitude. 



Saturday 29. The weather continued to be fine. At 

 five we renewed our labour, and the canoe was got in a 

 state of considerable forwardness. The conductor of the 

 work, though a good man, was remarkable for the tardi- 

 ness of his operations, whatever they might be, and more 

 disposed to eat than to be active ; I, therefore, took this 

 opportunity of unfolding my sentiments to him, and there- 

 by discovering to all around me the real state of my mind, 

 and the resolutions I had formed for my future conduct. 

 After reproaching him for his general inactivity, but par- 

 ticularly on the present occasion, when our time was so 

 precious, I mentioned the apparent want of economy both 

 of himself and his companions, in the article of provisions. 

 I informed him that I was not altogether a stranger to 

 their late conversations, from whence I drew the conclu- 



