The Indian was appalled when he saw every pound of worthless mail matter retained, while beans, cups, pails, plates, and extra clothing were thrown by the board.

One robe each was kept, one ax, one tin pail, and a scant supply of bacon and flour.

Bacon could be eaten raw on a pinch, and flour, stirred in hot water, could keep men going.

Even the rifle and the score of rounds of ammunition were left behind.
And in this fashion they covered the two hundred miles to Selkirk.
Daylight travelled late and early, the hours formerly used by camp-making and dog-tending being now devoted to the trail.

At night they crouched over a small fire, wrapped in their robes, drinking flour broth and thawing bacon on the ends of sticks; and in the morning darkness, without a word, they arose, slipped on their packs, adjusted head-straps, and hit the trail.