1852.] NOCTURNAL VISITORS. 103 



and six P.M., or immediately after the afternoon's grog, 

 which was consequently discontinued until the proper 

 time, of supper. 



About 5.45 we pitched our tent for the night upon 

 the smooth part of the floe ; but just as our peminican 

 \\us properly seasoned and ready for distribution, a 

 visitor, not victualled, made his appearance, attracted 

 doubtless by the savoury perfume ; this was a polar 

 bear. Our party withdrew into the tent, and the gen- 

 tleman very deliberately walked up within short pistol- 

 shot, snuffing the air with the peculiar habit of these 

 animals, and contemplating, no doubt, a comfortable 

 meal. A ball through his fore-arm caused him to 

 stagger and attempt escape ; but the next, through the 

 heart, from the other barrel, laid him low. Pemmican 

 was entirely forgotten until his skin was deposited be- 

 side the tent, our heroes declaring "that they never 

 could get his jacket off, if he once got cold." Poor 

 fellow ! his confidence deserved a better return ; but his 

 jacket, as well as his fat (for fuel), were now important 

 considerations. Our supper finished, and gun reloaded 

 and placed ready for further service, we withdrew into 

 our shells, and were soon enjoying comfortable dreams, 

 far, very far, from polar bears ; but about midnight, his 

 anxious lady seeking him, in all probability, tracked him 

 up to the tent, and there found his head, outer garment, 

 and his slippers, the latter intended for a carriage com- 

 fort for a fair friend. Her hard breathing awakened 

 the cook, who, as I before stated, is, in addition to " the 

 little cherub," etc., our only guardian angel, and who 

 whispered along the bag-mouths, " Another bear, Sir." 



