On entering
the lake we turned to the right and landed to put up our first
sails. Soon they were caught by the light breeze and, together
with the quick paddle strokes, carried the canoes at a rapid pace
towards Cape Corbeau, which rose high and commanding twelve miles
away.
At 6 P.M. we landed for supper, hard tack and bacon and tea, and
then as quickly as might be were on our way again. There was need
to make the most of such perfect conditions for passing Grand Lake.
Sunset, and we were nearing Cape Corbeau. Then came twilight which
was almost more beautiful, and I sat sometimes thinking my own
thoughts, sometimes listening to George and Job as they chatted
with each other in Indian. Ten o'clock came, and still the dip,
dip, of the paddles went on. Now and again they were laid across
the canoe, and the pipes came out, or the tired arms rested a
little. It was not till eleven that we finally turned in to camp
at Silver Pine Lodge, having made twenty-two miles of our journey.
The sky was still light in the north-west.
The men soon had a roaring camp fire, for it had grown cold after
sunset. We had a second supper, and at 12.
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