the south-east, and as we approached we saw that it was of
considerable width. Should it not prove fordable, we resolved to swim
across.

With infinite satisfaction we reached the bank of the river, and
descending quickly, allowed our horses to drink; while, stooping down by
their sides, we lapped up the water eagerly with our hands. It seemed
as if we could never drink enough. When we had somewhat slaked our
thirst, we looked about for a place at which to cross. From the
appearance of the current a little lower down, we hoped that we should
there find the river fordable; we accordingly agreed to lead our horses
to it.

On climbing up the bank we observed that the fire was still raging in
the direction from whence we had come; and it was evidently very much
nearer. We had wished to allow our animals to rest and recover their
strength before attempting to cross; but on again looking back we saw
that there was no time to be lost. We accordingly at once mounted, and
urged our steeds into the water, keeping their heads up the stream.

As we advanced it grew deeper and deeper, and we expected every moment
to have our horses taken off their legs; still it would not do to turn
back. Our greatest chance of safety lay in pushing forward. The cool
water restored strength to our beasts, and, sagaciously leaning over
against the current, they soon got across the deep part. We had now no
further difficulty, and in a few minutes landed safely on the opposite
side. Fortunately there was plenty of fresh herbage, and we allowed the
animals to crop it, while we sat down and discussed some of the pemmican
with which, by Mike's forethought, we had provided ourselves. Without
it we should have starved; for we could find nothing eatable anywhere
around. As night was approaching, and our horses were too much knocked
up to go further, we resolved to remain on the bank of the river till
the morning. We accordingly hobbled the animals, and then looked about
for some place which might afford us shelter.

Our search was rewarded by the discovery of a hollow made by the stream
in the bank during the spring floods. Here we hoped that we might rest
secure from danger. Indians were not likely to be passing at that time
of the evening, and no wolves would find their way, we believed, into
our cave. Our horses were, of course, more exposed to risk than
ourselves; but we were obliged to let them take their chance, for unless
they were