t Muskgo broke through in the same
manner.

"I kept upright, and only wetted my feet and legs; but he threw himself
down, and was wetted nearly all over. Our hands being benumbed with the
cold, it was some time before we could get off our snow-shoes, and we
were no sooner out of the water than our moccasins and leggings were
frozen stiff. Our spunk wood got wetted by the water, and when we at
last reached the shore we were unable to light a fire. Our clothes also
were so completely frozen that we could scarcely move.

"Muskgo was in such pain that he at once gave in and declared that he
should die. I held out, for though I had no enjoyment in the existence
I was enduring, I still hoped some day to make my escape. I therefore
kept moving about as well as I was able, and at length reaching the
forest, found some rotten wood which I used as a substitute for spunk,
and was able, greatly to my satisfaction, to raise a fire.

"We immediately set to work to thaw and dry our moccasins, and having
put them on, we had strength to collect more fuel for a larger fire.
Lying close to this, we completely dried our clothes; and though we had
nothing to eat we did not complain, since we had the enjoyment of
warmth.

"Next morning again setting out we proceeded towards the lodges. We
were still some way from them when we met old Kezha bringing us some
food and dry clothes. She said that `knowing we should have the river
to cross, as we did not appear she was convinced that we had fallen
through the ice.' It will thus be seen that the old woman had a kind
heart, though her temper was very uncertain.

"Sometimes we had an abundance of food in the camp; at others for many
days together we were almost starved, and had only nuts or berries to
feed on. I cannot describe one-tenth part of the incidents of my life
at this period.

"We had again accumulated several packages of peltries, which it was
intended to exchange with the fur-traders for blankets and numerous
other articles of which the tribe were in want.

"One day, however, another party of Indians, under a chief called
`Peshauba,' or the `Crooked Lightning,' came and encamped near us. He
had been trading successfully with the white men, and had a large supply
of blankets, beads, knives, and several casks of fire-water.

"He came into our camp bringing with him a bottle full of the
fire-water. He offered some to Kezha. She at first refused, but at
length was induce