tents, we had been forced to leave the tent-poles which we could not
now replace; we therefore gladly recommenced the journey at five
in the morning, and travelled through the remaining part of the lake
on the ice. Its surface being quite smooth, the canoes were dragged
along expeditiously by the dogs, and the rest of the party had to
walk very quick to keep pace with them, which occasioned many
severe falls. By the time we had reached the énd of the lake, the
wind had increased to a perfect gale, and the atmosphere was so cold
that we could not proceed further with the canoes without the risk
of breaking the bark, and seriously injuring them: we therefore
crossed Winter River in them, and put up in a well-sheltered place
on a ridge of sand hills; but as the stock of provision was scanty,
we determined on proceeding as quick as possible, and leaving the
canoe-party under the charge of Mr. Wentzel. We parted from
them in the afternoon, and first directed our course towards a range
óf hills, where we expected to find Antonio Fontano, who had separated
from us in the morning. In crossing towards these hfik I fell
through the ice into the lake, with my bundle on my shoulders, but
was soon extricated without any injury; and Mr. Back, who left us
to go in search of the straggler, met with a similar accident in the
evening. We put up on a ridge of sand hills, where we found some
pines, and made a large fire to apprize Mr. Back and Fontano of
our position. St. Germain having killed a deer in the afternoon,
we received an acceptable supply of meat. The night was stormy
and very cold.
At five the next morning, our men was sent in different directions
after our absent companions; but as the weather was foggy, we despaired
of finding them, unless they should chance to hear the
muskets our people were desired to fire. They returned, however,
at ten, bringing intelligence of them. I went immediately with
Hepburn to join Mr. Back, and directed Mr. Hood to proceed with
the Canadians, and halt with them at the spot where the hunters
had killed a deer. Though Mr. Back was much fatigued he set off
with me immediately, and in the evening we rejoined our friends
on the borders of the Big Lake. , The Indians informed us that
Fontano only remained a few hours with them, and then continued
his journey. We had to oppose a violent gale and frequent snowstorms
through the day, which unseasonable weather caused the
temperature to descend below the freezing point this evening. The
situation of our encampment being bleak, and our fuel stunted green
willows, we passed a very cold and uncomfortable night.
June 18.—Though the breeze was moderate this morning, the
air was piercingly keen. When on the point of starting, we perceived
Mr. Wentzel’s party coming, and awaited his arrival to learn
whether the canoes had received any injury during the severe
weather of yesterday. Finding they had not, we proceeded to get
upon the ice on the lake, which could not be effected without
walking up to the waist in water, for some distance from its borders.
We had not the command of our feet in this situation, and the men
fell often; poor Junius broke through the ice with his heavy burden
on his back, but fortunately was not hurt.
This lake is extensive, and large arms branch from its main course
in different directions. At these parts we crossed the projecting
points of land, and on each occasion had to wade as hefore, which so
wearied every one, that we rejoiced when we reached its north side
and encamped, though our resting-place was a bare rock. We had
the happiness of finding Fontano at this place. The poor fellow
had passed the three preceding days without tasting food, and was
exhausted by anxiety and hunger. His sufferings were considered
to have been a sufficient punishment for his imprudent conduct in
separating from us, and I only admonished him to be more cautious
in future.
Having received information that the hunters had killed a deer,
we sent three men to fetch the meat, which was distributed between