£4 FOLLOWED BY OOML\KS. 



was he relieved when the exploit was concluded, and, 

 with his companions, breathed freely once more ; for 

 they, like him, had been in all-engrossing suspense 

 until the deed was done. Our usual endeavours to 

 obtain intelligence were employed ; a rude model of 

 a vessel again constructed, and with other signs put 

 in requisition ; but these efforts were unrewarded by 

 success. This occupation was interrupted by the 

 approach of a number more of the natives, which 

 warned us that our position on this narrow strip of 

 sand was easily assailable, in case of treachery. We 

 re-embarked, therefore, at thirty minutes past eleven, 

 P.M., and pulled to the eastward, for the wind had 

 disappointed oiu^ expectations, and instead of 

 becoming fair, threatened to blow strongly from 

 the north-east. We speedily observed four large 

 oomiaks, filled with natives, who had apparently 

 come from two goodly collections of tents, one on 

 the point of the mainland abreast of us, the other, 

 and larger, a little to the eastward. The five oomiaks 

 crowded upon us much nearer than was agreeable, 

 for they contained quite five times our number. 

 Mr. Pullen counted twenty-one men and two women 

 in one, and estimated that none of the rest held less 

 than sixteen persons. Our three boats were kept 

 close together, and the advances of the strangers 



