156 THE WHALEMAN ; OR, 



therefore both parties were left in painful sus- 

 pense, and especially those who were left behind. 



In this instance we discovered another treach- 

 ery of the natives towards us, and which we 

 found it impossible to account for, considering 

 their kindness towards us in many other respects. 



Since nothing had been heard from Mr. Fisher 

 for many days, the captain stated to his men, 

 that he had made up his mind to leave the set- 

 tlement, and ascertain if possible the fate of Mr. 

 Fisher, and find better quarters. One thing was 

 certain ; he assured them he could not live there ; 

 that was out of the question. He was greatly 

 debilitated, had scarcely any thing to eat, and for 

 three days past had not eaten a piece of blubber 

 larger than his three fingers. 



Accordingly, on the last day of February, the 

 captain left with a company of three besides 

 himself. 



We took our departure at sundown, or late in 

 the afternoon, in order to avoid the effect of sun- 

 light upon our eyes. We learned from the ex- 

 perience of the natives to avoid, if possible, this 

 evil ; and hence we took the latter part of the day 

 to commence our perilous journey, and chose 

 darkness rather than light. 



Our intentions were to travel until we should 

 find more comfortable quarters, or perish in the 



