OF THE POLAR SEA. 



483 



to encamp at the Narrows, the place which was said to be so good 

 for fishing, and where, according to St. Germain's account, the 

 Indians never failed to catch plenty ; its distance at most could not 

 be more than two miles. We had not proceeded far before Beau- 

 parlant began to complain of increasing weakness. 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 endea- 

 voured to encourage 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 inquired where we 

 were to put up ; St. Germain pointed to a small clump of pines near 

 us, the only place indeed that offered for fuel. " Well," replied the 

 poor man, " take your axe Mr. Back, and I will follow at my leisure, 

 I shall join you by the time the encampment is made." This is a 

 usual practice of the country, and St. Germain and myself went on 

 towards the spot ; it was five o'clock and not very cold, but rather 

 milder than we had experienced it for some time, when, on leaving 

 the ice, we saw a number of crows perched on the top of some high 

 pines near us. St. Germain immediately said there must be some 

 dead animal thereabouts, and proceeded to search, when we saw 

 several heads of deer half buried in the snow and ice, without eyes 

 or tongues. The previous severity of the weather only having 

 obliged the wolves and other animals to abandon them. An ex- 

 pression of " Oh merciful God ! we are saved," broke from us both ; 

 and with feelings more easily imagined than described, we shook 

 hands, not knowing what to say for joy. It was twilight, and a fog 

 was rapidly darkening the surface of the lake, when St. Germain 

 commenced making the encampment ; the task was too laborious for 

 me to render him any assistance, and had we not thus providentially 

 found provision, I feel convinced that the next twenty-four hours 



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