human
What port are you bound for, Jack?
gpt
We go to Montreal, and thence by Canadian and Pacific line across the American Continent to San Francisco.
human
Isn’t that the longest way there?
gpt
That is so; but then it is by far the easier. All accounts are pretty unanimous in depicting not only the danger but the difficulties of the so-called Chilcoot Pass.
human
But what about the White Pass?
gpt
That appears to be the worst of the three, since it leads through a very rough country, over steep hills, through swift streams, and over a pass which, although said to be one thousand feet lower than the Chilcoot, is declared by surveyors to be two hundred feet higher. And as it is longer and more difficult we have thought it best to take the river route.
human
What is the difference in the matter of time over—say the Chilcoot route?
gpt
The time of starting may be somewhat later, as we shall have to wait until it is known that the navigation of the Yukon River is opened.
human
What distance have you to travel on the Yukon?
gpt
To Dawson City is one thousand seven hundred and fifty miles; and from San Francisco to Dawson City, which is altogether about four thousand five hundred and nine miles, the Steamship Companies estimate the time needed for this journey at thirty days, whilst through or over the passes it varies from fifty to seventy days.
human
Probably more often seventy than fifty days?
gpt
No doubt of it.
human
And I suppose the river route has other advantages besides?
gpt
Oh, decidedly! Our luggage, for example, has not to be carried, or packed, as it would have to be if we went to Skagway, Dyea, or some one of the ports leading to the passes.
human
That, of course, is a consideration, as well as a great saving in comfort and convenience.
gpt
Exactly; for you must remember that with several hundred pounds weight of goods on the beach, it would be no very easy matter arranging and carrying out all the details necessary for transferring them over the mountains to the head-waters of the Yukon.
human
No; I daresay you are right,
gpt
Well, we have studied the matter, and, after careful thought, have no doubt whatever that although it may mean some delay at San Francisco or St. Michael’s, waiting for the opening of navigation, and the possibility of arriving a little later at the ’diggings,’ we shall not be worn out and fagged as we should be if we risked our goods and lives over the Chilcoot Pass.
human
And you think you can stand the climate?
gpt
We intend to try, was Jack’s response.
human
Mr. Ogilvie, who was commissioned by the Canadian Government to make certain explorations on their behalf in that region, and who spent some eleven years off and on there, says, ’I know many Englishmen from all parts of England who have been in it, five, six, and even twelve years, without being injured by the cold. No one that I know of, taking proper care of himself, has ever been hurt by the rigour of the climate.’
gpt
All I can say is, wound up Arnold,