essential for the voyage. Birch bark, spruce roots, and gum were
supplied for repairing the canoes.

All was now in readiness. The loading of freight began, and when each
canoe had received its allotted cargo the voyageurs indulged in much
handshaking with their friends, a little quiet talking and affectionate
kissing with their families and sweethearts. Then, paddle in hand,
they boarded their canoes and took their places.

In manning a six-fathom canoe the bowman is always the most important;
the steersman comes next in rank, while the others are called "midmen."


DEPARTURE OF THE FUR BRIGADE

Factor Mackenzie and his senior officer, sitting in the guide's or
chief voyageur's canoe, which, of course, was Oo-koo-hoo's, gave the
word; and all together the paddle blades dipped, the water swirled, and
on the gunwales the paddle handles thudded as the canoes heaved away.

The going and coming of the Fur Brigade was the one great event of the
year to those nomadic people who stood watching and waving to the
fast-vanishing flotilla. Were they not bidding farewell to fathers,
husbands, brothers, sons, or lovers, chosen as the best men from their
village? Had they not lent a hand in the winning of the treasure that
was floating away? If only the pelts in those packs could speak, what
tales they would unfold!

As I looked back the animated picture of the little settlement wherein
we figured but a moment before gradually faded into distance. The