Page:Across the sub-Arctics of Canada (1897).djvu/123

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and a pair of moleskin trousers. Upon inquiry I was told they had received them in trade from other "Enuits" (Eskimos). We satisfied ourselves that this family were accustomed to meet with the Eskimos from Hudson Bay who trade at Fort Churchill or Marble Island, and for that reason the Telzoa must in all probability flow into the bay. We were, moreover, soon convinced of this by getting the Eskimo to draw us a sketch of the river's course.

From the natives we also secured several articles, such as horn spoons, personal ornaments, and two or three deer-skin coats, to do us service, if necessary, later in the season. In exchange for these we were asked for powder, bullets and gun-caps, all of which they were badly in need of. About camp there appeared to be an abundance of venison for the present support of the family, but the hunt for musk oxen was what had brought this venturesome hunter far up the river in advance of his tribe.

As Eskimo interpreter I had little difficulty in conversing with the natives, though I found that many of my words as used by the Eskimos on the east coast of Hudson Bay and the north shore of the Straits were not understood. It was not so surprising that many of their words were not understood by me. In the main, however, I found the language to be the same as that spoken by the Eskimos of various other districts formerly visited.

Among those of us who for the time shared the hospitality of this native family was our worthy cook, John, who also laid claim to the distinction of being an