408 THE GEHMAN ARCTIC EXPEDITION. 



difficult by tbe slippery and uneven surface of tlie ice. 

 But after we had gone a little way, Borgen implored us 

 to make as much haste as possible. On procuring a light, 

 the coldest nature would have been shocked at the spec- 

 tacle which poor Borgen presented. The bear had torn 

 his scalp in several places, and he had received several 

 injuries in other parts of his body. His clothes and hair 

 were saturated with blood. We improvised a couch for 

 him in the rear of our own cabin, as his own was not 

 large enough. 



" The first operation was performed upon him on the 

 cabin table. And here we may briefly notice the singular 

 fact that, although he had been carried more than 100 

 paces with his skull almost laid bare, at a temperature of 

 — 13° Fahr., his scalp healed so perfectly that not a single 

 portion was missing." So far Lieut. Payer. 



But let us hear what Borgen has to say for himself 

 upon the subject : — " About a quarter before nine p.m. 

 I had gone out to observe the occultation of a star, which 

 was to take place about that time, and also to take the 

 meteorological readings. As I was in the act of getting 

 on shore, Capt. Koldewey came on to the ice. We spoke 

 for a few moments, when I went on shore, while he 

 returned to the cabin. On my return from the observa- 

 tory, about fifty steps from the vessel, I heard a rustling 

 noise to the left, and became aware of the proximity of a 

 bear. There was no time to think, or use my gun. The 

 grip was so sudden and rapid, that I am unable to say 

 how it was done ; whether the bear rose and struck me 

 down with his fore-paws, or whether he ran me down. 

 But from the character of the injuries I have sustained 

 (contusions and a deep cut on the left ear), I conclude 



