About 10 miles from there the flour was we were looking forward to.
So I told Mr. Hubbard to see what he would think. If he couldn't
really have the strength of going any farther, that Wallace and I
would try and go and find the flour, and if we found it one would
return and bring some of the flour to him, and the other would try
and make his way out to Northwest River, as it is nearly 80 miles
to Northwest River post, and may be I might come across some
trappers and be able to help him.
He at first said it was no use of trying, as he knew how weak we
were and that we would only be scattered abroad.
Should a relief party be sent out to look for us, they will find us
here in our camp; but if you wish to try all right. You are more
than trying to save me. I never came across a man so brave as you
are. Still I may feel better in the morning, and I will not carry
anything. Now I see that you were right when we left the canoe.
You wanted to leave everything and go out light.
If you get to the flour, you must take most of the flour and
Wallace will bring the rest. As we will be staying in one place we
will not require as much as you will, because if you fail on the
way, it will mean sure death to us too. And if you happen to come
on some trappers, just send them with grub, and don't come up
yourself as you will be too weak. Or if you get to Northwest
River, Mr. M'Kenzie will find men to send, and you will stay there.
If I should starve and you get out, Mr. M'Kenzie will help you in
all you need, and will keep you there this winter. By the first
boat you will go to New York, and my diary don't give to anyone but
to Mrs. Hubbard. Tell her how things happened, and that I don't
suffer now as I did at first, only so very, very weak, and I think
starvation is an easy death to die.
"I wish you could only see my father and mother, or my sister, so
as to tell them about our trip. I wish I could tell them how good
you were to me. But you must go to Mrs. Hubbard.
"I am sorry, boys. It is my work the reason why you are out here.
If I did not come out here you would have been at your home and
having all that you need and would not meet death so soon."
I told him not to be troubled by that.
