The rivers were frozen and canoeing was stopped, while the bush was deep in fresh, loose snow.

It would be a long and strenuous business to break a trail to the south, and in winter the mine was often cut off from the settlements.

Provisions sometimes ran short, but Scott found it hard to refuse the starving Indians a share of his supplies.
"You bought a fine skin," he resumed.

"I haven't seen the thing since.
What have you done with it ?" "I sent it away," said Thirlwell.

"Old Musquash said he'd try to make the settlements and took it out for me." "He'll probably get through, though I don't think a white man could.