The Long Labrador Trail by Dillon Wallace
page 82 of 266 (30%)
page 82 of 266 (30%)
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reasons for his failure to return, when the tent front opened and in
he came, as wet as though he had been in the river. "Well, Richards," I asked, when he was comfortably settled at his meal, "what do you think of the river?" "The river!" he paused between mouthfuls to exclaim, "that's the only thing within twenty miles that I didn't see. I've been looking for it for four hours, but it kept changing its location and I never found it till I struck camp just now." "Now, boys," said I, when all the pipes were going, "I've something to say to you. Up to this time we've had no real hardships to meet. We've had hard work, and it's been most trying at times, but there's been no hardship to endure that might not be met with upon any journey in the bush. If we go on we _shall_ have hardships, and perhaps, some pretty severe ones. There'll soon be sleet and snow in the air, and cold days and shivery nights, and the portages will be long and hard. On the whole, there's been plenty to eat--not what we would have had at home, perhaps, but good, wholesome grub--and we're all in better condition and stronger than when we started, but flour and pork are getting low, lentils and corn meal are nearly gone, and short rations, with hungry days, are soon to come if we don't strike game, and you know how uncertain that is. I cannot say what is before us, and I'm not going to drag you fellows into trouble. I'm going to ask for one volunteer to go on with me to Ungava with the small canoe, and let the rest return from here with the other canoe and what grub they need to take them out. Who wants to go home?" It came to them like a shock. Outside, the wind howled through the |
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