In the autumn of 1829, another opponent entered the lists against us,—­an enterprising Canadian, who had been for a long time in the Company’s service.  This adventurer proceeded some distance inland, and I need scarcely say that a party was sent to keep him company.  Understanding that the new competitor gave our people more trouble than had been anticipated, I determined on taking an active part in the game; and as I had only two men with me at Lac de Sable, whose services were required there, I set off alone, intending to take with me an Indian who had an encampment by the way, as I was unacquainted with the route.  I slept at the Indian’s wigwam, who readily accompanied me next morning; but the weather being intolerably cold, the poor fellow got both his ears frozen, et aliud quidquam praeterea, in crossing a large lake not far from his camp.  The moment he perceived his mishap, he assailed me in the most abusive terms, and swore that he would accompany me no farther; which, being conscious that I was partly the cause of his misfortune, I bore with as much equanimity as I could; and arriving at the opposite side of the lake, we kindled a fire, and I proceeded to treat his case according to the usual practice; that is, rubbing the part affected with snow, or bathing it with cold water until it is thawed, and the circulation restored.  Having happily succeeded, I forthwith dismissed him, and determined to find my way alone; and having a tolerable idea of the direction in which I should go, and the weather being clear, I entertained no doubt of falling somewhere on the river whereon the post is situated.  I came upon it, as it seemed to me, a considerable distance below the establishment, just as the sun was setting.

Having travelled in deep snow the whole day, I felt so much fatigued that I could scarcely exert myself sufficiently to keep my body warm, the cold being intense.  I walked as briskly as my diminished strength would allow; but at length became so weak, that I was obliged to lay myself down at short intervals.  In this wretched state,—­my limbs benumbed with cold, and thinking I should never see daylight,—­I suddenly came upon a hard beaten path:  this inspired me with new vigour, as it indicated the close vicinity of a shanty.  I soon discovered the desired haven, and crawling up the steep bank that led to it, I knocked at the door with my snow-shoes, and was immediately admitted.

The noise I made roused the inmates, who had been sound asleep; and who, seeing my helpless condition, exerted themselves in every possible way to relieve me.  I was nearly in the last stage of exhaustion, being unable to take off my snow-shoes, or even articulate a word.  One of these noble woodsmen guided me next day to the post; when, as a small mark of gratitude for his generous kindness, I presented him and his companions with what is always acceptable to a shanty-man, a liberal allowance of the “crathur,” to enjoy themselves withal.