f one
thing I felt sure, that the stream would conduct me into the river
Saskatchewan, and that I should now be able, without further fatigue, to
arrive at the fort.

Hunger made me anxious to get off as soon as possible. As I launched
the canoe, Bouncer stood watching my proceedings with evident
satisfaction, and convinced me that he knew I was right.

Being well acquainted with the management of a canoe, I had no fears
about making the voyage in safety. I stepped in, and Bouncer followed,
sitting in front of me; then taking the paddle, I shoved off, and
commenced my voyage down the stream.

The current ran gently, and I paddled on, expecting to have an easy
voyage. As I was not acquainted with the appearance of the banks, I did
not know how far off the fort was; but I knew that I must have some
distance to go. I could not possibly tell when I might reach my
destination.

Had poor Pat been with me, I should have been very happy, but his
disappearance caused me much anxiety. I knew, of course, however, that
as soon as I got to the fort a party would be sent out to look for him.
I paddled eagerly on, expecting every moment to come to some part of the
river with which I was acquainted.

The stream became more rapid, and the banks were higher than at the spot
at which I embarked. Occasionally there were low cliffs, and here and
there rocks projected some way from the shore, compelling me to keep in
the centre of the stream. Now and then wild-fowl rose up, and in their
flight passed but a short distance from the sight of my longing eyes.
Had I possessed a rifle, I would have stopped and shot one of them to
satisfy my hunger. Now I proceeded a mile or two with scarcely any
perceptible current; now I reached a part of the river with trees of
considerable height growing on both banks, the wind, which was pretty
strong, blowing amid their branches, and causing a loud murmuring sound.
It contributed somewhat to drown another sound which now reached my
ears. The sound I heard was that of rushing water, and I guessed that
some rapids were near, but their exact distance off I could not tell.

Eager to get to the end of my voyage, I paddled on. I fancied that I
should without difficulty, should I find myself near the rapids, paddle
to one bank or the other and land, so that I might examine them before
attempting their descent. If I found them too dangerous, I could carry
my canoe overland and launch it again below