Page:Narrative of the Discoveries on the North Coast of America.djvu/92

 but they were beyond our reach, and, taking the alarm, quickly disappeared. The declivities of the hills seemed, as we passed along, completely chequered with the tracks of these and smaller animals. We slept at the mouth of the Pembina, or Red Willow River.

On the 27th our route lay chiefly along the river; the hills enclosing it became lower, and approached nearer together, depriving the valley of its former romantic character. A walk of seventeen miles brought us to the confluence of Clear Water River with the Athabasca. From the high point of "the forks" we enjoyed a fine view of that majestic stream, stretching away to the north, its broad bosom studded with numerous wooded islands, which give it a grand lake-like appearance. We now emerged from the deep soft snows of the valley, through which, as well as during the whole journey, I had myself raised the road, my companions being sufficiently occupied, each with the care of his sledge. The dogs, in fact, were so accustomed to follow me, that when, at any time, I quitted my usual station in front, they stopped, kept looking wistfully back, and the whips of their drivers failed to inspire them with the same ardour, till I resumed the lead, when they testified their satisfaction by straining to keep at my heels, the leader