ian, but French, and has been taken by the Indians from
the early French voyageurs, who long years before this used to traverse
many parts of these wild regions to trade with the Indians. Quite a
number of names still remain in the country as relics of these hardy
early French explorers.

This ringing call met with a prompt response from all. No one dared to
remain for another nap. At once all was hurry and activity. The fires
were quickly rekindled, copper tea-kettles were speedily filled and
boiled, a hasty breakfast eaten, prayers offered, and then "All aboard!"
is the cry of Big Tom. The kettles, blankets, and all the other things
used are hastily stowed away, and the journey is resumed.

If the wind is fair the sail is hoisted and merrily they travel on. If
not, the heavy oars were brought out, and as they rose and fell in
unison the boats were propelled on at the rate of about six miles an
hour. Three or four times a day did they go ashore, boil the kettles,
and have a meal, for the air of that land is bracing and the appetites
are always good.

The route used for so many years by the Hudson Bay Company to transport
their goods into the interior from York Factory is utterly unfit for
navigation, as we understand that word, as the rivers are full of wild,
dangerous rapids and falls. Some of these rapids can be run at all
times during the summer, others only when the water is high. Many of
them are utterly impassable at any time. The result is that numerous
portages have to be made. As the making of a portage was exceedingly
interesting to our boys, we will here describe one.

The boats were rowed up against the current as far as possible and then
headed for the shore. Here at the landing place they were brought in
close to the rocks and every piece of cargo was taken out. These pieces
were put on the men's shoulders, one piece being fastened at both sides
by a carrying strap, which in the middle is drawn across the forehead.
Then, using the first piece thus fastened, one or two more pieces are
piled upon it and the Indian starts with this heavy load along the rough
and rocky trail to the end of the portage. This end is the place beyond
the rapids where safe navigation again commences. In quick succession
the men are thus loaded until all the cargoes are thus transported from
one side to the other.

The boys were very eager to help. So they quickly loaded themselves
with their guns and blankets,