NINE MONTHS IN THE ARCTIC. 97 



abundantly proved. Besides, these were signals 

 of civilization, of common brotherhood, of press- 

 ing emergency, and strongly excited hope. But, 

 alas ! they met with no response from that ves- 

 sel's deck. 



Lest there should be a lurking distrust in the 

 minds of the captain and officers of the ship 

 that these signals were a mere trickery or device 

 of the natives to get on board of the ship, or 

 for the ship to send a boat ashore, the company 

 on shore separated themselves from the natives, 

 so that with the aid of a glass, or even with the 

 naked eye, a distinction in manner, movement, 

 and dress could be easily seen by those on ship- 

 board. This expedient also failed. 



As another resort to attract attention, a fire 

 was kindled; and yet the rising and curling 

 smoke met with no cordial response, no friendly 

 salutation ; no boat came to our rescue. Shortly 

 after, the ship filled away, passed down the 

 coast, and was seen no more. 



We felt, what no language can adequately 

 express, that this was an instance of cold, de- 

 liberate, and even infamous neglect. Could it 

 be they were ignorant of the ordinary laws of 

 humanity, and wilfully misconstrued the most 

 obvious signs of needy and suffering seamen ? 

 Instances have, indeed, occurred, in which ves- 

 7 



