Page:Narrative of the Discoveries on the North Coast of America.djvu/122

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I noticed some fine faces among the younger men; and the women, though not so good-looking, have an affectionate and pleasing address. They all, down to the very children, expressed their thanks by the French abbreyiation, "merci," for the various articles presented to them; a most agreeable contrast to the sullen indifference of the Chipewyans. Our hunters not making their appearance, we engaged one or two of the most active youths to escort them to Fort Simpson, and pursued our way.

Several more Dog-ribs were passed during the day; and at 10 p. m. we landed at one of their huts, placed on an island near the site of the ill-fated Livingstone's establishment, who, with most of his crew, was massacred by the Esquimaux, many years ago, on his attempting to open a trade with them. The children and dogs were huddled together asleep when we arrived, and formed rather a queer group. We continued our route at 11, and, having rowed for an hour, lashed the boats together, and resigned them to the guidance of the wide deep stream.

When we awoke on the 28th, we found that we had drifted three or four leagues with the current. The morning sun shone brilliantly, tinging the broad waters and the wood-crowned cliffs with golden hues. The verdure on the banks