the contamination of their manners. Our hunters being now arrived,
were sent off, without delay, in quest of the missing; and I had the
satisfaction to see my famished _compagnons de voyage_ arrive, on the
26th of April.




CHAPTER IV.

DISTRESSING BEREAVEMENT--EXPLORING PARTY--THEIR
REPORT--ARRIVAL OF ESQUIMAUX--ESTABLISH POSTS--POUNDING
REIN-DEER--EXPEDITION UP GEORGE'S RIVER--ITS
DIFFICULTIES--HAMILTON RIVER--DISCOVER A STUPENDOUS
CATARACT--RETURN BY GEORGE'S RIVER TO THE SEA--SUDDEN STORM,
AND MIRACULOUS ESCAPE.


Having thus ascertained the impracticability of the inland
communication, I transmitted the result of my observations to the
Governor--a report which, I doubt not, proved rather unpalatable to
his Excellency, unaccustomed as he is to have any of his movements
checked by that impudent and uncompromising word--impossible. I
was much gratified to find that the deer-hunt had proved uncommonly
successful; so that I had now the means of carrying into effect the
Governor's instructions on this point. On the approach of spring,
preparations were made for establishing a post inland; guides were
hired for the purpose, and every precaution taken to insure success.

At this time I was visited by a very grievous affliction, in the loss