e could reach, the entire stream
was a boiling turmoil of rocks and rapids, down which a boat could have
gone with as much safety as it could have leaped over the Falls of
Niagara. Our advance was most effectually stopped, as far as appearance
went. But nothing checks the onward progress of a northwest _voyageur_
except the want of food.

"The boats were run successively into a small bay, the men leaped out,
the bales of furs were tossed upon the banks of the river, and the boats
hauled up. Then every man produced a long leathern strap, with which he
fastened a bale weighing upwards of 90 lbs. to his back; above this he
placed a bale of similar weight, and trotted off into the woods as
lightly as if he had only been laden with two pillows. The second bale
is placed above the first by a sleight-of-hand movement which is
difficult to acquire. Poor Berry well nigh broke his back several times
in attempting this feat, and eventually gave it up in despair.

"In an hour the packs were carried over the 'portage,' and deposited
beside the still water at the foot of the rapids. Then the men returned
for the boats. One was taken in hand at a time. The united crews seized
the heavy craft with their strong hands, and shoved against it with
their lusty shoulders; a merry song was struck up, and thus the boat
was dragged through the forest for nearly a mile. The others quickly
followed, and before evening all was carried over, and we were again
rowing down stream.

"Not long after this we came to a rapid, in the midst of which was a
slight waterfall. The water was deep here, and the rocks not numerous,
and it was the custom to run the boats down the rapids and over the
fall, in order to save the labor of a portage. Three of the boats ran
down in grand style, and reached the foot in safety. Berry and I were in
the last boat. The steersman stood up in the stern with his hands
resting on the long heavy sweep, while his gaze was directed anxiously
towards the boiling flood into which we were just entering. The bowman,
an immensely powerful man, stood up in front, with a long strong pole
grasped in both hands, ready to fend off from the sunken rocks. The men
sat in their places, with their oars ready for action.

"'Now, boys, look out,' cried the guide, as we plunged into the first
billow of the rapids. The boat flew like an arrow straight towards a
rock, which was crested with white as the water burst against its ragged
front. To all