This was an anxious day for Jean, as she was well aware that the entire
camp was on the verge of starvation. The children were already picking
and sucking the bones of the partridges, and there was no food in the
place. Even the little they had brought with them was gone, so she and
Kitty went without any dinner. She did her best to cheer and encourage
the dispirited Loyalists, telling them that Sam would soon return with
plenty of meat. He was their sole dependence now, and suppose anything
should happen to him! But she had confidence in his skill and
judgment, so hoped for the best.

Much of the day she spent with the women and children, listening to the
hardships they had endured, and playing with the little ones. At times
she visited the men, and watched them as they toiled bravely at their
houses. They were weak and hungry, but they uttered no word of
complaint. Occasionally she saw them gnawing and chewing the bark of
tender birch twigs, while some tried to find sustenance in pine,
spruce, and cedar cones. But for the hope that Sam would return with a
supply of food, they would have given up in despair.

The day was drawing to a close when the women and children were
transferred to their new abodes. Fires were burning brightly, and
fresh fir boughs made soft beds. The children were delighted with this
change, and the expression in the women's eyes showed their pleasure.
As Jean watched the mothers making up the beds for the night she
noticed how few and thin were the blankets. She well knew that they
must have more clothing if they were to be kept from perishing during
the long winter ahead. And other food they must have than meat,
especially the children. Her mind turned naturally to the King's
mast-cutters. She must go to them, for no doubt they had a supply of