1 18 ARRIVAL AT NOOWOOK. 



acceded to liis desire of making for Tchaytcheeii, 

 whence, he said we might next day continue to 

 the yarangas before-mentioned. He accordingly led 

 the way in a new direction ; but the weather became 

 much worse, and a man and woman who passed us 

 on their sledge gave up their trip and returned on 

 our track : these indications were not wasted upon 

 oiu- faithful and prudent guide, who would not 

 permit us to come to any harm for want of caution 

 on his part. He again halted, represented that even 

 Tchaytcheen was still distant, and that the desperate 

 condition of the weather would render our journey 

 thither a matter of doubtful success and safety ; and 

 ended by recommending that we should not proceed 

 beyond Noowook, a small hamlet now in sight. 

 The councils of our mentor were not to be held in 

 contempt, and we submitted to his suggestions with- 

 out dissent, although murmuring at the ill luck which 

 thus checked us in the first stages of our trip. 

 Speedily reaching Noowook, which was a miserable 

 fishing station, consisting only of six small and dirty 

 huts, we took up our quarters first in the habitation 

 of Tchi-gwa. 



No matter at what time of day a visitor 

 arrives, food is instantly set before him, generally 

 frozen fish or cold blubber, to keep him occupied 



