supplies, each manned
by eight Indians, and all under the guidance of Samuel Papanekis, whom
they were expected to implicitly obey. They went up the fine river that
passes by Norway House, until they entered into Lake Winnipeg. From
this place they skirted around the north-western shore of this great
lake, until they reached the mouth of the Saskatchewan River. Up this
great river they had to row their beats against the current for many
hundreds of miles. That summer was an exceedingly hot one, yet for
weeks together these gallant fellows tugged away at their heavy oars.
For a few short hours of rest during the night they anchored their boats
in mid-stream, and then at first blush of morning they continued their
journey. Wild beasts were sometimes seen walking on the shores or
quenching their thirst in the river. The hunting instincts of the
younger Indian boatmen were so strong that they begged to be allowed to
fire; but Samuel, ever on the alert, and seeing the danger, always
positively refused.

When the Sabbaths came they anchored their boats as close together as
possible near the middle of the river on some shoal or shallow spot,
such as abound in this great river of shifting sand bars. Here they
spent their quiet, restful days, having prayers and a couple of
religious services each Sunday.

Ere they reached the place where they were to deliver their precious
cargoes, the river passed through many miles of the plague-stricken
country. They could see on the shores the deserted wigwams, in which
all the inmates had fallen victims to the fell destroyer, or had, panic-
stricken, fled away.

Very long seemed that summer, and great indeed was our solicitude, and
many were our prayers for these noble men, from whom we did not hear a
single word during the whole time of their absence. After being away
for about ten weeks, they came back amidst a doxology of thanksgiving
and gratitude. All of them were happy and in vigorous health, with the
exception of the guide. The strain and anxiety upon him had been too
much, and he was never the same man after. The others said, "Samuel
seemed to be everywhere, and to watch every movement with almost
sleepless vigilance." Realising how great the responsibilities were
upon him, he determined, if untiring devotion to his work would enable
him to rescue those suffering whites, and then return with his large
brigade uncontaminated by the disease, it should be done.

He s