the previous day was ascribed to the sound of a high cascade at the
head of the rapid, which we had mistaken for another considerably
farther down; our Canadian still acted as guide--the blind leading
the blind--and after two hours' walk we fell upon our own tracks
again;--the poor fellow had yielded so completely to despair, that he
walked about mechanically, scarcely knowing or caring whither he went;
he was therefore ordered to the rear, and Primeau succeeded as leader.
We saw nothing more of our tracks, but encamped in the evening with
much the same prospects as before. I felt extremely weak, having
carried Primeau's pack along with my own, as the old man could
scarcely move when beating the track in the deep snow. Having a few
fresh beaver skins, we cut off the thicker parts about the head and
legs, and made a _bouillon_ of them, which we drank, and then turned
in.

In the morning it became a subject of serious debate what direction we
should proceed in; the sky, however, having been clear the preceding
evening, I observed the sun setting, and determined in my own mind the
proper course; both my companions differed from me, but readily agreed
to follow me. I therefore took the lead, and was so fortunate as
to discover an old track, soon after leaving our encampment, which
we followed until it brought us in sight of the Grand River--the
long looked-for object of our fast failing hopes. Tears of joy burst
from my eyes, as I beheld before me the wide expanse of the noble
stream: although covered with ice and divested of the beauties of
summer, it never appeared more lovely to me. We reached the post after
night-fall; opening the door cautiously, I threw in my snow-shoes,
then bolting in myself, was gratified with the sight of a table
garnished with the best things the country afforded, which my two
friends had prepared for their Christmas dinner; the sight, however,