Their provisions were by that time very short, even the frozen salmon was nearly exhausted, and they had no means of obtaining another ounce of anything to eat! and now it was February.
Three days before I reached them they had consumed everything but a little tea, and were actually starving.
As this sad narrative was ended, I placed on the table what I had cooked. "Come, then," I exclaimed, "eat now; let us be thankful I arrived in time. No need for any more anxieties, but to get strong and well, and away from this terrible region."
CHAPTER IX.
Whilst May and I ate, Mr Bell had some oxtail soup, which I had brought.
"How was it that those men did not keep their promise, and send you provisions and help?" I asked him.
"Well," said he, "I believe I can understand. They are not bad fellows, really, but were most anxious to get home to the States. Two were married. No doubt they called at Dawson, and made what they thought a good arrangement; but they could not stop to see it carried out. Very likely the boat was just starting, and it would be their last chance to get off; they could not delay. No, I don't think they neglected us willingly."
"Had you known them long?"
"We fell in with them at St Michael's last June, when we came up the Yukon. We did not come here to dig for gold?"