Adventure and adventurers > Hudson Bay, or, Everyday life in the wilds of North America

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HAEASSING DETENTIONS.
and dashed it over my head, leaving me exposed to the
pitiless pelting of the storm. Mr. Bain’s tent, being in a
more sheltered spot, fortunately escaped.
Friday, 29th.—The weather was much improved to¬
day, but it still continued to blow sufficiently to prevent
our starting. As the wind moderated, however, in the
evening, the men carried the baggage down to the
beach, to have it in readiness for an early start on the
morrow.
Saturday, 30th.—In the morning we found that the
wind had again risen, so as to prevent our leaving the
encampment. This detention is really very tiresome.
We have no amusement except reading a few uninter¬
esting books, eating without appetite, and sleeping in¬
ordinately. Oh that I were possessed of the Arabian
Nights’ mat, which transported its owner whitherso¬
ever he listed! There is nothing for it, however, but
patience; and assuredly I have a good example in poor
Mrs. Bain, who, though little accustomed to such work,
has not given utterance to a word of complaint since
we left Norway House. It is now four days since we
pitched our tents on this vile point. How long we may
still remain is yet to be seen.
Thursday, September 4-th.—The wind was still very
strong this morning; but so impatient had we become
at our repeated detentions, that, with one accord, we
consented to do or die ! So, after launching and load¬
ing the canoe with great difficulty, owing to the im¬
mense waves that thundered against the shore, we all
embarked and pushed off. After severe exertion, and
much shipping of water, we at length came to the