52 Mackenzie’s Voyages

rapids or falls, rumours of which had reached him, and the
party, consequently, was always keenly on the alert, for
they were well aware that it is quite possible on a new route
to run into falls or rapids which give no warning, and that
strangers are likely to find themselves suddenly in great
danger. ‘he voyageur in new country is always subconsciously
prepared for /e rapide qui ne parle pas.

‘Their canoes were deeply laden, and to relieve them, and
also to provide a store of food for the return journey, two
bags of pemmican! were concealed on one of the islands,
in the hope that they would be of future service. “The Indians
were of a different opinion as they entertained no expectation
of returning that season, when the provisions would be
spoiled.”

After an examination of the Indian encampments of the
last year, it was concluded from the manner in which the
wood was cut that these people had no iron tools, and
Mackenzie felt justified in thinking that they had not yet
come in contact with traders, which gratified the trader
in him, while it brought some disappointment to the
explorer, who was ever on the look out for indications of
communication with the western seaboard.

In spite of fog the flotilla was off at five-thirty. By noon
the first important range of high mountains 2 was seen, west
and south, stretching as far as it was possible to see. The
summits, cloud-capped in the highest parts, were bare and
rocky, but the declivities were covered with wood. Certain
patches of white high up above the timber-line were thought
to be talc, though they possessed a more brilliant whiteness.

1Sun-dried buffalo-meat, pounded fine, and mixed with melted
fat, preserved in buffalo-skin bags, hair-side in. It was a staple food
among the fur-traders on long journeys, when fish, fresh, dried, or

frozen, or game could not be had. Also known as ‘‘taureaux.”’
2 The Mackenzie Range.