I watched the men carrying the canoes and
their heavy loads over these with wonder almost equal to that with
which I had looked at Job's work in the rapids.
The outfit made about four loads each for them, and when it was all
safe on top of the hill, Joe sat down trembling like a leaf.
George looked a bit shaky, and Gilbert very hot and tired.
Joe said: "In a week George and I will be hardened up so that there
won't be any trembling."
Job said: "Always hard."
By noon it had grown very hot. There was scarcely a stir in the
air, and the sun beat down on the sand-hills in no gentle manner.
The perspiration ran down the men's faces as they carried, and the
flies were beginning to come. After lunch Job set up two impromptu
wigwams, stringing a tarpaulin over each, and under these shelters
the men rested till 4 P.M. By camping time the outfit had been
moved up over the portage about a mile, and I had learned something
more about what packing means.
All day it had been slow, hot work, and the men were tired. I
thought I would take a hand in making camp and getting supper.
