RETURN TO NAHLIN POST 59

decided to return to Nahlin on the following day and
tackle the caribou barrens to the East.

During the night the storm broke loose and the
rain hammered on the canvas, but the weather improved
somewhat towards morning and we packed all our gear,
got the loads on the horses, and made an early start.

Up on the last ridge before we began the descent
towards the Nahlin River I shot a Franklins Grouse,
and somewhat later we came on a large covey of Willow
Grouse which were quietly picking their way in front
of us. They seemed to be absolutely identical with
the Norwegian bird, though, perhaps, a trifle smaller
in size and much more tame. I shot three of them
with the small twenty-eight bore.

There are great and sudden changes in temperature
in this country, and we had not penetrated far down
into the forest before it grew very hot and the flies
re-appeared.

After crossing the Nahlin River, my Indians wanted
to pitch camp on the other side, and I simply could not
make them travel further that day, so I took my rifle
and started off alone, reaching Nahlin Post about seven
o'clock in the evening. I got the same hearty reception
as before from Pilling and Hughes, the latter having
just returned from a trip to Nakina, to the northward.

Early next morning the Indians arrived with the
pack-horses, and Pilling straight away set about roasting
a hindquarter of sheep. I was greatly amused to see
how these men enjoyed tasting fresh meat once more,
and I certainly must admit that wild sheep is the most
delicious meat I have ever tasted.

Pilling who, thanks to the telegraph line, was kept
posted as to what was going on outside, was able to