OF THE POLAR SEA. 



345 



the precipice under his feet, long after dusk had hid distant objects 

 from his view. His thoughts were, perhaps, far distant from the sur- 

 rounding objects, when he was roused by an indistinct noise behind 

 him, and on looking round, perceived that nine white wolves had 

 ranged themselves in form of a crescent, and were advancing, ap- 

 parently with the intention of driving him into the river. On his 

 rising up they halted, and when he advanced they made way for his 

 passage down to the tents. He had his gun in his hand but fore- 

 bore to fire, lest there should be Esquimaux in the neighbourhood. 

 During Mr. WentzeFs middle watch the wolves appeared repeatedly 

 on the summit of the hill, and at one time they succeeded in driving 

 a deer over the precipice. The animal was stunned by the fall, but 

 recovering itself, swam across the stream, and escaped up the river. 

 I may remark here that at midnight it was tolerably dark in the 

 valley of the river at this time, but that an object on the eminence 

 above could be distinctly seen against the sky. 



The following observations were taken at this encampment, lati- 

 tude 67° 23' 14" N., longitude 116° 6' 51" W., variation 49° 46' 24" E. 

 Thermometer 75° at three P.M. Sultry weather. 



Augustus and Junius not having returned next morning, we were 

 more alarmed respecting them, and determined on proceeding tb 

 find out the cause of their detention, but it was eleven A.M. before 

 we could prevail upon the Indians to remain behind, which we 

 wished them to do, fearing that the Esquimaux might suspect our 

 intentions, if they were seen in our suite. We promised to send for 

 them when we had paved the way for their reception, but Akaitcho 

 ever ready to augur misfortune, expressed his belief that our mes- 

 sengers had been killed, and that the Esquimaux, warned of our 

 approach, were lying in wait for us, and " although," said he, u your 

 party may be sufficiently strong to repulse any hostile attack, my 

 band is too weak when separated from you to offer an effectual 

 resistance ; and therefore we are determined to go on with you, or to 



2 v 



