OF THE POLAR SEA. 



165 



thing of him on the lake, we set out, pur- 

 posing to encamp at the Narrows, the place 

 which was said to be so good for fishing, 

 and where, according to St. Germain's ac- 

 count, the Indians never failed to catch 

 plenty; its distance at most could not be 

 more than two miles. We had not pro- 

 ceeded far before Beauparlant began to 

 complain of increasing weakness ; but this 

 was so usual with us that no particular 

 notice was taken of it, for in fact there was 

 little difference, all being alike feeble: 

 among other things, he said whilst we were 

 resting, that he should never get beyond 

 the next encampment, for his strength had 

 quite failed him. I endeavoured to encou- 

 rage him by explaining the mercy of the 

 Supreme Being, who ever beholds with an 

 eye of pity those that seek his aid. This 

 passed as common discourse, when he in- 

 quired where we were to put up ; St. Ger- 

 main pointed to a clump of pines near us, 

 the only place indeed that offered for fuel. 

 66 Well," replied the poor man, " take your 

 axe Mr. Back, and I will follow at my lei- 



