234 THE LIFE OF E. J. PECK 



ing in the boats ! For, although we should probably 

 have been safe enough, what would have become of 

 our sledge and dogs ? As the wind was strong we 

 rigged up a sail, and drove along before the gale at a 

 brisk rate. After going some distance, however, 

 we had to haul close to the wind and keep in near 

 to the land, as we found the ice weak in many places. 

 We almost caught a seal which was basking in the 

 sun. The creature was asleep, and allowed us to get 

 nearly within gunshot before it awoke. When it 

 raised its head my Eskimo companion began yelling 

 in a most unearthly manner, and the seal, quite sur 

 prised with the noise, and looking about to see what 

 was the matter, almost forgot his own means of 

 safety. However, he slipped into his hole in the 

 ice just as the dogs were on top of him. 



&quot; We did not reach Blacklead Island before two 

 a.m. on Saturday morning. I was surprised to see 

 many people out and about, and they gave me a 

 warm welcome. Right glad I was to meet my 

 friend and brother, Mr. Parker, and to hear good 

 accounts of his welfare and work.&quot; 



And so this tour and sojourn of a month s dura 

 tion came to an end, and there is a pleasing retro 

 spect : &quot; I think of my stay at Kikkerton with 

 feelings of gratitude to God. Many have heard the 

 Gospel, a few can read, and several have reading 

 sheets in hand which they have promised to learn 

 during my absence.&quot; The great difficulty in deal- 



