OF THE POLAR SEA. 



75 



turned to the westward on the Root River, 

 which enters the Sepanach, and halted on 

 its banks having made in direct distance 

 not more than twenty miles since the 23d. 



We passed the Shoal Lake on the 25th, 

 and then marched twelve miles through 

 woods and swamps to a hunting tent of the 

 Indians. It was situated in a grove of large 

 poplars, and would have been no unpleasant 

 residence, if we could have avoided the 

 smoke. A heavy gale from the westward, 

 with snow, confined us for several days to 

 this tent. On the 30th two Indians ar- 

 rived, one of whom, named the Warrior, 

 was well known at the house. We endea- 

 voured to prevail upon them to set out in 

 quest of moose, which they agreed to do on 

 receiving some rum. Promises were of no 

 avail; the smallest present gratification is 

 preferred to the certainty of ample reward 

 at another period; an unfailing indication 

 of strong animal passions, and a weak un- 

 derstanding. On our compliance with their 

 demand they departed. 



The next day I went to the Warrior's 



