From the elderly men of this tribe Mackenzie ascertained that the Fraser River flowed south by east, was often obstructed by rapids, and, though it would finally bring them to a salt lake or inlet, and then to the sea, it would cause them to travel for a great distance to the south.

He noticed the complete difference in the language of these Atna or Carrier Indians[10] and that of the Nagailer or Chin Indians of the Athapaskan group on the eastern side of the Rocky Mountains.
[Footnote 10: Apparently these were of the Sikanni tribe, and only another branch of the great Tinne (Athapaskan) stock.] He, however, learnt from these Atna Indians that although the Fraser was out of the question as a quick route to the sea, if he retraced his journey a little up this river he would find another stream entering it from the west, and along this they could travel upstream.
And then the route to the water "which was unfit to drink", and the region to which came people with large ships, would be of no great length.

Accordingly, after having had a tree engraved with Mackenzie's name and the date, by the bank of the Fraser River, the expedition returned to the subterranean house which they had seen the day before.
"We were in our canoe by four this morning, and passed by the Indian hut, which appeared in a state of perfect tranquillity.

We soon came in sight of the point where we first saw the natives, and at eight were much surprised and disappointed at seeing Mr.Mackay and our two Indians coming alone from the ruins of a house that had been partly carried away by the ice and water, at a short distance below the place where we had appointed to meet.

Nor was our surprise and apprehension diminished by the alarm which was painted in their countenances....
They informed me they had taken refuge in that place, with the determination to sell their lives ...