114 START FOR WOORKL. 



We had some difficulty in obtaining as many dogs 

 as were required for so long a period, as the natives 

 had seldom more than one set or " train," and 

 required these for daily use : we were therefore obliged 

 to take the captain's team until it could be replaced. 



On the morning of the 8th of February, a clear 

 and beautiful day, with the temperature ranging from 

 20° to 3° below zero, our little party started from the 

 ship under cheers from our comrades, and took the 

 direction of Woorel, where we expected to find 

 reinforcements of our canine steeds. On our arrival, 

 however, we found ourselves wofully deceived, the 

 promises to that effect were ingeniously evaded by 

 the contractors — Attah invented a plausible tale, 

 which was, to persuade us that her animals were 

 lame, and moreover adi'ift, and not to be caught 

 without difficulty; while Amtin had effectually 

 disappointed us by betaking himself, sledge, dogs 

 and all, to a distance on the sea-ice, for the avowed 

 purpose of seal-hunting. However, we were not to 

 be thus checked at the outset, and, sending Ahmoleen, 

 who was to accompany us for a short time, back to 

 the ship to mention our ill-success, and bring on the 

 Union-Jack which we had left behind, the journey was 

 continued to Mahkatzan's, where we intended to 

 remain the night. 



