150 THE WHALEMAN J OR, 



trials were only preparatory for another, — one 

 more frightful than any we had contemplated or 

 looked upon, — the question was presented to us 

 in its most distressing form, whether we should 

 remain among the natives, and, from present ap- 

 pearances, starve to death, or whether, while any 

 strength remained, we should make one more, 

 and perhaps the last effort to reach some other 

 settlement, where we might get provisions enough 

 to live upon. Our prospects never looked more 

 gloomy than at this time. 



We were well assured there were huts down 

 along upon the coast, but how far we could not 

 tell; and therefore it was a most hazardous jour- 

 ney, and altogether uncertain whether any one 

 of us would live to reach them. 



We were at this time very much reduced in 

 flesh and strength in consequence of short allow- 

 ance, and therefore greatly incapacitated to en- 

 dure the labor and fatigue of traveling through 

 the snow, or to withstand for any considerable 

 season the intense cold which then prevailed. 

 And still further, we were aware there would be 

 no protection for us during the long night we 

 should be out ; or, it may be, a number of days 

 and nights we should find no shelter. How 

 many fearful odds were against us! Of this 

 fact we were certain : to remain where we were, 



