OF THE POLAR SEA. 



333 



we delayed our voyage next day for the purpose of drying it. 

 The hunters were supplied with more ammunition, and sent 

 forward; but Akaitcho, his brother, and another Indian remained 

 with us. 



It may here be proper to mention, that the officers had treated 

 Akaitcho more distantly since our departure from Point Lake, for 

 the purpose of shewing him their opinion of his misconduct. The 

 diligence in hunting, however, which he had evinced at this place, 

 induced us to receive him more familiarly when he came to the tent 

 this evening. During our conversation he endeavoured to excite 

 suspicions in our minds against the Hook, by saying, " I am 

 aware that you consider me the worst man of my nation; but I 

 know the Hook to be a great rogue, and, I think, he will disappoint 

 you." 



On the morning of the 6th we embarked, and descended a series 

 of rapids, having twice unloaded the canoes where the water was 

 shallow. After passing the mouth of the Fairy # Lake River the 

 rapids ceased. The main stream was then about three hundred 

 yards wide, and generally deep, though, in one part, the channel 

 was interrupted by several sandy banks, and low alluvial islands 

 covered with willows. It flows between banks of sand thinly 

 wooded, and as we advanced the barren hills approached the water's 

 edge. 



At ten we rejoined our hunters, who had killed a deer, and 

 halted to breakfast. We sent them forward ; one of them, who 



* This is an Indian name. The Northern Indian fairies are six inches high, lead a 

 life similar to the Indians, and are excellent hunters. Those who have had the good 

 fortune to fall in with their tiny encampments have been kindly treated, and regaled on 

 venison. We did not learn with certainty whether the existence of these delightful 

 creatures is known from Indian tradition, or whether the Indians owe their knowledge of 

 them to their intercourse with the traders, but think the former probable. 



