A SEAL HUNT 289 



therefore went along the fast ice-foot and moored off 

 the eastern Barrier at about three in the afternoon. 

 The cape in the Barrier, under which we lay, was given 

 the name of "Man's Head," on account of its resemblance 

 to a human profile. All the time we were going along 

 the ice we were shooting seals, so that on arrival at our 

 final moorings we already had a good supply of meat. 



For my part I was rather unlucky on one of these 

 hunts. Four seals were lying on the ice-foot, and I 

 jumped down with rifle and five cartridges; to take any 

 cartridges in reserve did not occur to me, as, of course, 

 I regarded myself as a mighty hunter, and thought that 

 one shot per seal was quite enough. The three first 

 died without a groan; but the fourth took the alarm, 

 and made off as fast as it could. I fired my fourth 

 cartridge, but it did not hit as it ought to have done, 

 and the seal was in full flight, leaving a streak of blood 

 behind it. I was not anxious to let a wounded seal go, 

 and as I had only one cartridge left, and the seal had 

 its tail turned towards me, I wanted to come to close 

 quarters to make sure of it. I therefore ran as hard as 

 I could, but the seal was quicker, and it determined the 

 range. After running half-way to the South Pole, I 

 summoned my remaining strength and fired the last 

 shot. Whether the bullet went above or below, I have 

 no idea. All I know is, that on arriving on board I 

 was met by scornful smiles and had to stand a good 

 deal of chaff. 



