The trappers told us that, going by the river, it would take a
month to reach Seal Lake. I wished very much to keep to the river
route, because Mr. Hubbard would have had to do so had he not
missed the way, there being no Indians within reach, at the time he
made his journey, from whom we could obtain information. Yet our
time was short. From an Indian, whom we found at Northwest River,
I had a map of the portage; but it was crude, and we should not be
able to make the trip as quickly as the Indians even at best. It
was quite possible that a good deal of time might have to be spent
looking for the trail, for it was old and would not be easily
found. It was hard to decide what was best to do.
Going ashore the men hastily examined the trail. The council which
followed resulted in a decision to keep to the river. The work
would be harder, but we should probably make as good progress and
reach Seal Lake as soon as by going through the lakes.
Above this point the river swings more to the north, and the
current grows swifter as you ascend. A little before noon we
landed at Point Lucie, a high, sandy point, which stands out into
the river at the foot of the first rapid.
Pages:
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61