886 THE JEANNETTE ARCTIC EXPEDITION. 



therefore called upon every one to join me in reading the 

 prayers for a sick person before we sought any rest for our- 

 selves. This was done in a quiet and reverent manner, 

 though I fear my broken utterances made but little of the 

 service audible. Then, setting a watch, we all, except Alexai, 

 lay down to sleep. At 10 A. M. Alexai went off to hunt, but 

 returned at noon wet, having broken through the ice and 

 fallen in the river. At G P. M. we roused up, and I consid- 

 ered it necessary to think of some food for my party. Half 

 a pound of dog meat was fried for each person, and a cup of 

 tea given, and that constituted our day's food ; but we were 

 so grateful that we were not exposed to the merciless south- 

 west gale that tore around us, that we did not mind short 

 rations. 



WEDNESDAY, October 5th, 115th day. The cook com- 

 mences at 7.30 to get tea made from yesterday's tea-leaves. 

 Nothing to serve out until evening. Half a pound of dog 

 meat per day is our food until some relief is afforded us. 

 Alexai went off hunting again at nine, and I set the men 

 gathering light sticks enough to make a flooring for the 

 house ; for the frozen ground thawing under everybody, kept 

 them damp and wet and robbed them of much sleep. South- 

 west gale continues. Barometer, 30.12 at 2.40. Mortifica- 

 tion has set in in Erickson's leg, and he is sinking. Ampu- 

 tation would be of no use, as he would probably die under 

 the operation. He is partially conscious. At twelve Alexai 

 came back, having seen nothing. He crossed the river this 

 time, but unable longer to face the cold gale was obliged to 

 return. I am of opinion we are 011 Titary Island, on its 

 eastern side, and about twenty -five miles from Kumak Surka, 

 which I take to be a settlement. This is the last hope for 

 us. Sagaster has long since faded away. The hut in which 

 we are is quite new, and clearly not the astronomical station 

 made on my chart. In fact, the hut is not finished, having 

 no door and no porch. It may be intended for a summer 

 hut, though the numerous fox-traps would lead me to suj)- 

 pose that it would occasionally be visited at other times. 



