For many miles the Fort was in sight, as the course of the river alternately approached and receded from its walls, and it was not until nearly mid-day that we caught the last glimpse of our home.
At the noon-tide meal, or pipe, of the voyageurs, an alarming discovery was made: no bread had been put on board for the crew! How this oversight had occurred, no one could tell.

One was certain that a large quantity had been brought from the garrison-bakery for their use that very morning--another had even seen the sacks of loaves standing in Paquette's kitchen.

Be that as it may, there we were, many miles on our journey, and with no provisions for the six Frenchmen, except some salted pork, a few beans, and some onions.

A consultation was held in this emergency.

Should they return to the Portage for supplies?
The same danger that made their departure necessary, still existed, and the utmost dispatch had been enjoined upon them.