OF THE POLAR SEA. 



467 



My alarm was only momentary, Dr. Kichardson came in to commu- 

 nicate the joyful intelligence that relief had arrived. He and myself 

 immediately addressed thanksgiving to the throne of mercy for 

 this deliverance, but poor Adam was in so low a state that he could 

 scarcely comprehend the information. When the Indians entered, 

 he attempted to rise but sank down again. But for this seasonable 

 interposition of Providence, his existence must have terminated in 

 a few hours, and that of the rest probably in not many days. 



The Indians had left Akaitcho's encampment on the 5th No- 

 vember, having been sent by Mr. Back with all possible expedition, 

 after he had arrived at their tents. They brought but a small 

 supply of provision that they might travel quickly. It consisted of 

 dried deer's meat, some fat, and a few tongues. Dr. Kichardson, 

 Hepburn, and I, eagerly devoured the food, which they imprudently 

 presented to us, in too great abundance, and in consequence we 

 suffered dreadfully from indigestion, and had no rest the whole 

 night. Adam being unable to feed himself, was more judiciously 

 treated by them, and suffered less ; his spirits revived hourly. The 

 circumstance of our eating more food than was proper in our present 

 condition, was another striking proof of the debility of our minds. 

 We were perfectly aware of the danger, and Dr. Kichardson re- 

 peatedly cautioned us to be moderate ; but he was himself unable 

 to practise the caution he so judiciously recommended. 



Boudel-kell, the youngest of the Indians, after resting about an 

 hour, returned to Akaitcho with the intelligence of our situation, 

 and he conveyed a note from me to Mr. Back, requesting another 

 supply of meat as soon as possible. The two others " Crooked-Foot 

 and the Eat/' remained to take care of us, until we should be able 

 to move forward. 



The note I received by the Indians from Mr. Back, communicated 

 a tale of distress, with regard to himself and his party, as painful 



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