DR. KANE'S FAMOUS ARCTIC VOYAGE 291 



bolted to the keel. The gunwale was fortified, and additional depth 

 obtained, by means of a washboard of light cedar, about six inches 

 high. A neat housing of light canvas was stretched upon a ridge- 

 line sustained fore and aft by stanchions, and hung down over the 

 boat's sides, where it was fastened (stopped) to a jack-stay. Each 

 boat carried a single mast, stepped into an oaken thwart in such a 

 manner that it could be readily unshipped and carried, with the oars, 

 boat hooks, and ice poles, alongside the boat. The third boat was 

 the little "Red Eric," which was mounted on the old sledge; not, 

 indeed, with any intention of using her for purposes of navigation, 

 but to cut her up for firewood, in case the supply of blubber sh'ould 

 fail. 



Powder and shot, on which the lives of the travelers depended, 

 were carefully distributed in bags and tin canisters. The percus- 

 sion caps Dr. Kane himself took charge of, as more precious than 

 gold. To Mr. Bonsall were entrusted the arms and ammunition. 

 Places were arranged for the guns, and hunters appointed for each 

 boat. Mr. Petersen looked after the cooking gear. In fact, for 

 each man a special duty was found, and nothing was neglected that 

 could contribute in any way to the safety of the party. The com- 

 pleteness and thoughtfulness of these preparations had the best 

 effect on the spirits of the men; and though some of them still 

 doubted whether escape was possible, all braced up their energies 

 to make the attempt. As most of them were invalids, some little 

 preliminary training was needed ; but this required to be very grad- 

 ual. "We made but two miles the first day," says Kane, "and with 

 a single boat ; and, indeed, for some time after this I took care that 

 they should not be disheartened by overwork. They came back 

 early to a hearty supper and warm beds ; and I had the satisfaction 

 of marching them back each recurring morning refreshed and 

 cheerful." 



They bade farewell to the brig, which had been their home for 

 upwards of two years, with much solemnity. The whole company 



