Narrative 

 of the 



PACIFIC AND BEERING'S STRAIT. 4-29 



to receive some assistance from the inhabitants. c ^ p< 

 Two of them approached us at first with some dif- 

 fidence ; but Mr. Elson throwing the presents on 

 shore, and myself going to meet them, after much Barge * 

 gesticulation denoting peaceable intentions, we join- 

 ed company. The ratification of rubbing noses and 

 cheeks being over, a leaf of tobacco given to each 

 soon gained their confidence. One of them, an old 

 man, seemed very thankful for his present, offering 

 me any part of his garment as a reimbursement, 

 which I declined accepting. Seeing so friendly 

 an interview, several more ventured towards us ; 

 and learning from their companions the treasures I 

 possessed, were very eager to obtain some. By a 

 few signs I easily made them understand that their 

 assistance at the track-line would be amply re- 

 warded. Six or seven directly took hold of the 

 rope ; and our people relaxing a little in their ex- 

 ertions, though continuing at the line, we proceeded 

 along gaily ; but I was frequently obliged to have 

 recourse to the presents to keep them pulling. We 

 had not passed the tents more than half a mile when 

 a new and a very serious difficulty presented itself — ■ 

 the mouth of a river into which the current set 

 with great velocity, carrying with it large masses of 

 ice. After many attempts we succeeded in getting 

 a line across ; but had no sooner accomplished it, 

 than it broke, and our repeated trials for a long 

 time were unsuccessful. Eventually we managed 

 to overcome this obstacle, and had just got the boat 

 to the opposite shore when she grounded ; and the 

 current setting strong against her, all our exertions 

 to get her afloat were ineffectual. A few minutes 

 before this accident, Mr. Elson, who was on board, 



