rning (September 30th) Hubbard said he was much better, and
gave the order to advance. We made a short march, camping just beyond
the long swamp on the edge of the boulder-strewn country we had found
so hard to traverse on the upward trail. On the way we stopped for a
pot of tea at a place in the swamp where we had previously camped, and
there discovered a treasure; namely, the bones of a caribou hoof we had
used in making soup. We seized upon the bones eagerly, put them in the
fire and licked the grease off them as it was drawn out by the heat.
Then we cracked them and devoured the bit of grease we found inside.

It was agreed that from this point George and I should carry the canoe
about two miles ahead, while Hubbard carried the packs to a convenient
place beyond the swamps and there pitched camp. It was about dusk when
George and I, after a laborious struggle among the boulders and brush,
put the canoe down and turned back. As we approached the place that
had been selected for a camp, we looked expectantly for the glow of the
fire, but none was to be seen. At length we heard axe strokes, and
came upon Hubbard cutting wood. He greeted us with rather a wan smile.

"I've been slow, boys," he said. "I haven't got the firewood cut yet,
nor the boughs for the bed. I've only just pitched the tent."

"I'll get the other axe," I said quickly, "and help you while George
builds the fire."

"No, no," he protested; "you get the boughs while I'm getting the wood."

"I can get the boughs after we have the wood chopped; it won't take me
long and you must let me help you."

At that Hubbard said, "Thank you, b'y," in a tone of great relief. Then
he added slowly, "I'm still a bit weak, and it's hard to work fast
to-night."

It was the first time since we left the post that he consented to
anyone doing any part of his share of the work. It is true that since
we had turned back I had been relieving him of his share of carrying
the canoe, but I was able to do so only by telling him I much preferred
toting the boat to juggling with the packs. From this time on,
however, he consented, with less resistance, to George or myself doing
this or that while he rested by the fire. The fact was he had reached
the stage where he was kept going only by his grit.

October began with tremendous gales and a driving rain mixed with
sleet, that removed all traces of the snow. The sleet stung our faces,
and we frequently had to take refu