“= 
Capt. Ross’s Voyage of Discovery. 281 
keeping one hand down by their knees, in readiness to pull out 
a knife which they had in their boots; in the other hand they 
held their whips with the lash coiled up ; their sledges remained 
at a little distance, the fourth man being appareutly stationed to 
keep them in readiness for escape. Sometimes they drew back 
the covering they had on their heads, as if wishing to catch the 
most distant-sounds ; at which time I uaa discern their features, 
displaying extrem2 terror and amazement, while every limb ap- 
peared to tremble as they moved. Sacheuse was directed to en- 
tice them to the ship, and two men were now sent with a plank, 
which was accordingly placed across the chasm. They appeared 
still much alarmed, and requested that Sacheuse only should 
come over: he accordingly passed to the opposite side, on which 
they earnestly besought him not to touch them, as if he did they 
should certainly die. After he had used many arguments to per- 
suade them that he was flesh and blood, the ..ative who had 
shown most courage ventured to touch his hand, then pulling 
himself by the nose, set up a shout, in which he was joined by 
Sacheuse, and the other three. The presents were then distri- 
buted, consisting of two or three articles of clothing, and a few 
strings uf beads: after which Sacheuse exchanged a knife for one 
of theirs. 
‘© The hope of getting some important information, as well as 
the interest naturally felt for these poor creatures, made me im- 
patient to communicate with them myself; and I therefore de- 
sired Lieut. Parry to accompany me to the place where the party 
were assembled, it appearng to me that Sacheuse had failed in 
persuading them to come nearer the ships. We accordingly pro- 
vided ourselves with additional presents, consisting of looking- 
glasses and knives, together with some caps and shirts, and pro- 
ceeded towards the spot, where the conference was held with 
increased energy. By the time we reached it, the whole were 
assembled ; those who had originally been left at a distance with 
their sledges, having driven up to join their comrades. The party 
now therefore consisted of eight natives, with all their sledges, 
and about 50 dogs, two sailors, Sacheuse, Lieut. Parry, and my- 
self, forming a group of no small singularity; not a little also 
increased by the peculiarity of the situation, on a field of ice, far 
from the land. The noise aad clamour may easily be conceived 
—the whole talking and shouting together, and the dogs howl- 
ing, while the natives were flogging them with their long whips, 
to preserve order. 
*¢ Our arrival produced a visible alarm, causing them to retreat 
a few steps towards their sledges: on this Sacheuse called to us 
to pull our noses, as he had discovered this to be the mude of 
friendly salutation with them. This ceremony was accordingly 
performed 
