We were all much chilled from exposure, so a fire was made in the edge of the woods. Spruce boughs were strewn about it to keep our feet from the snow, and the cheerful warmth was most gratefully enjoyed.
A little of the pounded dried-fish still remaining was fried on a pan with seal oil, the combination forming a dish that might be described as fish-flavored chips steeped in oil, but with appetites such as ours it could be eaten—though I will not say relished.
After this “refreshment” had been partaken of, and the stiffness thawed from our limbs, snowshoes were adjusted, and with a “Hurrah for York” the march was resumed.
One more camp was made, and on the following day, the 24th of November, and the nineteenth day since leaving Churchill, we reached York Factory.
RED DEER COWBOY.
CHAPTER XIX.
THROUGH THE FOREST AND HOME AGAIN.
Upon arriving at York we were kindly received by the officer of the Hudson’s Bay Company, Dr. Milne. Our men were given lodgings and rations in one of the many vacant houses in the Fort, while my brother and I were shown into the Doctor’s bachelor quarters and allowed to occupy the room of Mr. Mowat, the assistant trader, who was absent at the time.