BORGEN CARRIED OFF BY A BEAR. 411 



showing the force of the blow, and also the sail-cloth 

 boots, which had dropped off Avhile crossing the ice. 



" This accident was an additional proof how dangerous 

 it was ever to go out alone in the dark; for weapons 

 are but of little avail if one is not aware of the approach 

 of the animal. This precaution, which was, as a rule, 

 strictly observed, was in my case neglected simply be- 

 cause the next day the whole crew were to start on a 

 sledge expedition to the north, which had now to be 

 postponed for a day." " 



* Borgen's wounds healctl and cicati-ized rapidly. His youth and 

 vigorous constitution enabled him to throw off all the evil effects of the 

 bear's seizure. 



