Page:Adrift in the Pacific, Sampson Low, 1889.djvu/133

Rh told the story of his expedition across the lake he had stated that the little colony could take up their quarters on the eastern side of the island under very favourable conditions. Among the rocks on the shore were many caves, the river yielded fresh water in abundance. The forest extended to the beach, there was game furred and feathered in abundance, and life would be as easy there as at French Den, and much easier than at Schooner Bay. Besides, the distance between French Den and the coast was only a dozen miles, of which six were across the lake and six down the East River, so that in case of necessity communication was not difficult.

But it was not by water that Donagan proposed to reach Deception Bay. His plan was to coast along Family Lake to its southern point, and then follow the bank to East River, exploring a country up to then unknown. This was a longish journey — fifteen or sixteen miles — but he and his friends would treat the trip as a sporting expedition and get some shooting as they went. Donagan had thus no need of the yawl, and contented himself with the Halkett boat, which would suffice for the passage of East River and any other stream she might meet with.

As this expedition had for its object only the exploration of Deception Bay, with a view of selecting a permanent dwelling, Donagan took no more baggage with him than he could help. Two guns, four revolvers, two axes, sufficient ammunition, a few fishing lines, some travelling-rugs, one of the pocket compasses, the indiarubber boat, and a few preserves, formed the outfit.

The expedition was expected to last about a week, and when they had selected their future home, Donagan and his friends would return to French Den and take away on the chariot their share of the articles saved from the wreck of the schooner. If Gordon or any of the rest came to visit them, they would be glad to see them, but to continue to live at French Den under the