382 NEAREST THE POLE 



Captain John Smith and the Indians, bracelets, beads 

 and rings were taken North in our first trips, in the expec- 

 tation of finding appreciation. At most, these were 

 received with gratitude for the good will. None of the 

 women wore them or seemed particularly to care for 

 them. Occasionally they were brought forth from a 

 peg in the wall where they had hung for some time, 

 and examined with a certain air of curiosity. But as 

 for adorning themselves — such vanities did not occur 

 to them. 



The tupiks (tents) and igloos (winter-houses) are all 

 built after the same plans. There is only the superi- 

 ority of workmanship to distinguish the abode of one 

 man from another. We sometimes see an interesting 

 form of competition when two huts commence build- 

 ing simultaneously: One man, Nupsah, has discovered 

 a huge stone and succeeds in placing it in position. The 

 neighbours, by their approving glances, proclaim him 

 master builder. Presently, Pooadloonah finds a larger 

 stone than any secured by his rival. This is placed in 

 position, silently. Throughout the proceeding not a 

 word has been spoken; yet within that conqueror's 

 breast there thrills an indisputable note of triumph 

 and satisfaction. It is the peculiarity of this silent 

 competition that, even when extended to greater 

 deeds than the hauling of stones, the best of good 

 nature is preserved on both sides. 



Duels and battles never take place; and there is 

 only one case of Eskimo murder which comes within 

 my experience. 



Kyo was an angakok (medicine man). He knew 

 exactly how many sinnipahs (sleeps) would elapse 



