"Well, if we don't, you'll be pretty hungry. But we'll strike it, all right, you'll see."
So the party proceeded to lighten their only canoe. Everything which was of weight and not absolutely essential was cached and a cairn built over it, not with any intention of coming back, but so that it should be available if any other traveler should ever pass that way. Since it was so difficult to transport provisions and camp conveniences at such a distance, it was felt that it would be sheer wickedness to let anything be destroyed.
"But people might steal it!" exclaimed the boy.
"To take what you need isn't stealing in this country," answered the geologist. "You are supposed to help yourself if you are in need, and you are expected to give to the uttermost if you find any one else in need. This part of the world is too far away from civilization for any 'dog eat dog' methods. Here, being uncivilized, men are more or less charitably disposed toward each other."
"That's a cynical speech, Rivers," said the topographer.
"Cynical or not, it's true," the chief answered.
"Sure, it's true," commented Magee, who had been listening. "If I'm hungry in a big modern city, and I open a man's door, walk to his pantry, feed myself and a dozen hungry men; and what's more, walk away with enough provisions for a month, where would I land?"
"In jail," said Roger.
"Sure, an' I would. But that's what you can do out here."
"Well," said the chief, "I wish I were sure of being able to do it at Nigaluk."