So much we know, for the Indians found a shelter of fir branches he had made for himself, and they saw his tracks.

He set out again because his provisions were low and he was in haste to reach the end of his journey, as I suppose; but the weather did not mend, snow was falling, the nor'west wind never eased, and it is likely he caught no glimpse of the sun to guide him, for the Indians said that his tracks turned off from the river Croche which he had been following and wandered away, straight to the north." There was no further speech; neither from the two men who had listened with assenting motions of their heads while they followed every turn of Eutrope's grim story; nor from the mother whose hands were clasped upon her knees,--as in a belated supplication; nor from Maria.

.
"When they heard this, men from Ouatchouan set forth after the weather was a little better.

But all his footsteps were covered, and they returned saying that they had found no trace; that was three days ago is lost ..." The listeners stirred, and broke the stillness with a sigh; the tale was told, nor was there a word that, anyone might speak.

The fate of Francois Paradis was as mournfully sure as though he were buried in the cemetery at St.Michel de Mistassini to the sound of chants, with the blessing of a priest.
Silence fell upon the house and all within it.