FRANKLIN'S SECOND LAND EXPEDITION. 161 



the air. He was instantly extricated, wrapt in a warm 

 great-coat, and placed in the boat ; where, though at 

 first frightened and angry, he soon became reconciled to 

 his situation, and, looking about, discovered many bales 

 and other articles which had hitherto been carefully con- 

 cealed. His first impulse was to ask for everything he 

 saw ; his next, to be indignant that his requests were not 

 granted ; and, on joining his companions, he proposed a 

 plan for a general attack and pillage of both the boats. 

 This scheme was immediately carried into execution ; 

 and, though the plunderers at first affected to be partly 

 in sport, matters scon assumed a serious complexion. 



Two of the most powerful men, leaping on board, 

 seized Captain Franklin, forced him to sit between them ; 

 and when he shook them off, a third took his station in 

 front to catch his arm whenever he attempted to raise 

 his gun, or lay his hand on the broad dagger which 

 hung by his side. During this assault the two boats 

 were violently dragged to the shore, and a numerous 

 party, stripping to the waist and brandishing their long 

 sharp knives, ran to the Reliance, and commenced a reg- 

 ular pillage, handing the articles to the women, who, 

 ranged in a row behind, quickly conveyed them out of 

 sight. No sooner was the bow cleared of one set of 

 marauders, than another party commenced their opera- 

 tions at the stern. The crew in the Lion were nearly 

 overpowered, and their commander disarmed, when all 

 at once the natives took to their heels, and concealed 

 themselves behind the drift timber and canoes on the 

 beach. This sudden panic was occasioned by Captain 

 Back, whose boat at this time had been got afloat, com- 

 manding his crew to level their muskets. The Lion 

 happily floated soon after ; and as both boats pulled off, 

 Franklin desired Augustus to inform the Esquimaux that 



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