256 THE JEANNETTE ARCTIC EXPEDITION. 



twelve dogs for Kahoomah. We first went down a little 

 river to the southeast, and the young ice broke in many 

 places, letting the dogs and sled into the shallow water. I 

 was surprised at the southeast course, for Kapucan had told 

 me that Kahoomah was to the northwest. After thinking a 

 few moments I concluded that Kahoomah must be the Tun- 

 guse name for Kusmah, and that surmise proved to be correct. 

 They took me back to Kusmah's house, where they had an- 

 other talk, and then agreed to try to take me to Barkin. I 

 set up the compass, and Kusmah pointed to the northeast, 

 saying that Barkin was >^nly fifty versts distant in that 

 direction, but that we would have to go first to the southeast 

 and then swing round to the northward. 



We had to wait all night for another sled from our village. 

 It came next morning, and then we started to the southeast. 

 About eleven o'clock we came to a big river running north, 

 and I noticed that old Wassili looked up the stream very 

 anxiously and thoughtfully. I set up the compass, and when 

 the needle came to rest the natives sung out with delight 

 and surprise, ' Tahrahoo,' and pointed toward the south end 

 of the needle. I insisted, however, on going north, but the 

 old man said it was impossible, on account of boos-byral or 

 posh-ice. I then decided to let him follow his intentions and 

 see what they were. 



About four P. M., after having traveled over a region 

 covered with driftwood, we reached a small hut situated 

 near a bold headland, and the island that they call Tahrahoo 

 was about three miles off shore. They said they would take 

 me there the next morning. At this time another sled hove 

 in sight ; it was driven by an old man named Pimitrius, who 

 had been sent after us by Kusmah, with a kettle and a tea- 

 pot for me. Wassili and I went upon the hill about sunset, 

 and had a good view of the river and the adjacent island. 

 He indicated that the steamer Lena had entered there, and 

 that there might be some signs of boats on the adjacent is- 

 lands ; but I told him that I wanted to go round the head- 



