Page:Narrative of the Discoveries on the North Coast of America.djvu/120

 Hay River, and, the ice being jammed to the shore close beyond it, we halted for the remainder of the day. A net set across the stream supplied us with a number of dory and inconnu, while its banks furnished wild onions in abundance.

On the 24th we found the ice in many places still wedged-in to the land, and, though we pushed through it with unabated energy all day, it was midnight when we reached the head of the great river Mackenzie, where we encamped.

Sunday, 25th.—After rowing against a strong contrary wind, to very little purpose, all the morning, we caught sight of the Fort Simpson boats ascending the current under sail. We immediately landed on a small island, and spent the rest of the day with our esteemed friend Chief Trader M'Pherson. There were several arrangements to concert with that gentleman touching the expedition; which done, he resumed his route to Portage la Loche about midnight, and we remained wind-bound on our islet. We afterwards learned that he experienced quite as much difficulty as ourselves in making his way through the ice of Great Slave Lake.

The gale moderating on the 26th, we took our departure in the afternoon. After a couple of