254 THE GERMAN ACCTIC EXrEDITION. 



costume, in an Umiak (from which waved the Danish 

 flag) to pay a visit to the Peru. Only the cyhnder hat 

 had he taken the precaution to leave at home. From th-e 

 Constance, too, a boat went to the Peru. Myself and 

 several other officers, with some of the men, went on 

 shore. Agatha (it was ten a.m.) had not yet had time to 

 wash herself since yesterday, and on the faces of several 

 other young ladies were evident traces of yesterday's 

 exertions in the ball-room. Mrs. Motzfeld sat in her 

 house in her new Natzek. On the bench, by the window, 

 which was provided with a crane, stood the liquor-cask, 

 and close by a full-drawn bottle and a large glass. This 

 day the merchant's house seemed to have a great attrac- 

 tion for the people of Kaksimiut ; for they spoke oftener 

 than usual, and did not go away without -something to 

 strengthen them. The old Greenland captain came from 

 the schooner, the catechist came ; indeed, every one came 

 who had time, and as often as he had time. The cause 

 of this unusual frequency it is easy to guess. When we 

 returned on board we learned the news as to what the 

 Peru had brought with her, and also that Mr. Motzfeld, 

 faithful as ever, without further consideration, had started 

 in the Peru for Julianeshaab. Kaksimiut was, therefore, 

 bereft of its head. Indeed, as I came on shore in the 

 afternoon for a ramble through the island it lay deserted 

 and still. Through many cross-roads and by-ways, I 

 returned to the settlement. Not a creature was to be 

 seen. At last some of our men turned up, who at this 

 unusual hour were returning on board. " Well," said I, 

 "is Kaksimiut dead to-day?" "No, not that," they 

 answered, " but they are all drunk." And so they were. 

 They lay in the huts, young and old, men and women, 



