OF THE POLAR SEA. 



239 



arrival of our stores, and bore the intelli- 

 gence with unexpected tranquillity. We 

 took care, however, in our communications 

 with them, to dwell upon the more agree- 

 able parts of our intelligence, and they 

 seemed to receive particular pleasure on 

 being informed of the arrival of two Esqui- 

 maux interpreters at Slave Lake, on their 

 way to join the party. The circumstance 

 not only quieted their fears of opposition 

 from the Esquimaux on our descent to the 

 sea next season, but also afforded a sub- 

 stantial proof of our influence in being able 

 to bring two people of that nation from 

 such a distance. 



Akaitcho, who is a man of great penetra- 

 tion and shrewdness, duly appreciated these 

 circumstances; indeed he has often sur- 

 prised us by his correct judgment of the 

 character of individuals amongst the traders 

 or of our own party, although his know- 

 ledge of their opinion was, in most instances, 

 obtained through the imperfect medium of 

 interpretation. He was an attentive ob- 

 server, however, of every action, and stea- 



