202 SONNTAG STARTS FOR WHALE SOU^D. 



plan is that they are to pass over the glacier back of 

 Cape Alexander, in case the ice should not be firm 

 around the cape, and thence to make down the coast 

 directly for Sorfalik. In the event of Esquimaux not 

 being found at that place, they will cross over the 

 Sound directly for Northumberland Island, unless 

 they shall discover good reason for keeping along the 

 coast twenty miles further for Peteravik. 



The weather has been quite stormy up to yester- 

 day, when it fell calm, and the thermometer stood at 

 — 21°. To-day it has grown much milder, and light 

 snow is falling. The temperature is above zero, and 

 every thing looks promising for the travelers. They 

 have been absent now thirty-six hours, and have, no 

 doubt, passed the cape and are well on the journey. 



Their start occasioned much excitement, and aroused 

 the ship's company from a lethargic disposition into 

 which they have lately seemed inclined to fall in spite 

 of every thing. Sonntag was in excellent spirits, and 

 felt confident that he would soon bring the Esqui- 

 maux and dogs ; and he rejoiced over the prospect of 

 a few days of adventure. Hans was lively and eager. 

 He cracked his whip, the dogs bounded into their col- 

 lars, and were off at a full gallop. The sledge glided 

 glibly over the snow ; and, as they plunged out into 

 the moonlight, we sent after them the true nautical 

 " Hip, hip, hurrah ! " three times repeated, and then a 

 " tiger." 



December 23d. 



I had a strange dream last night, which I cannot 

 help mentioning ; and, were I disposed to supersti- 

 tion, it might incline me to read in it an omen of evil. 

 I stood with Sonntag far out on the frozen sea, when 

 suddenly a crash was heard through the darkness, and 



