Book Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1896 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VIII START FOR THE PELLY RIVER La Montagne's arrival on 18th April. The Liard chiefs theory of the Unknown--Journey up Frances River--Frances Lake--The legend of the flying cariboo--Pelly Indians--Yus-ez-uh River--More stories of cannibals across the divide. La Montagne had not yet returned from the coast, and as Smith--who was coming with me--had still charge of the post, I felt bound to wait as long as I possibly could. Of course every day would weaken the ice and lessen our chance of getting to the Pelly on the snow. We had not long to wait, however. La Montagne turned up within a few days of our arrival, and having answered letters and settled all business, we made a final start for the north on 18th April. My crew now consisted of Smith, Archie and Alick Flett, cousins, and Secatz, who was to come with us as interpreter till we reached the Pelly. The other Indians had all refused to go, but Secatz was willing to take the risk of coming back alone in case he should not fall in with any of his friends on their way in to the post to trade their winter's catch of fur. Charlie and Beavertail Johnny at the last minute offered to come with us, but I had now no use for their services, so they were obliged to go to the woods for a living till the summer, when they expected to get employment in the traders' boats. I have heard since that they both died during the following winter. Charlie will be very little loss, as he was acknowledged by whites and Indians alike to be utterly worthless, but Johnny was, next to Secatz, about the best of the Liard Indians. The two half-breeds were willing enough fellows, not over-burdened with sense, and absolutely useless as hunters, but always cheery and ready to do what they were told, which is...