338 THE LIFE OF E. J. PECK 



whole day. I could not keep warm or dry anywhere 

 else." 



" Wednesday, July 16. Cleared up about noon. 

 We packed up with all speed. All were glad to 

 leave this place of horrors. One of the men told 

 me that he could not sleep. He was in dread, so 

 he said, of those overhanging cliffs. Eskimos 

 believe that rocks have their innua, viz., inhabitant. 

 Strange stories are told in reference to these. 

 Pressed on as far as we could. Camped in a small 

 bay on a large sheet of ice. Men climbed high rocks. 

 They brought back bad news. There is no possibility 

 of our going on on account of icebergs, and vast 

 bodies of ice ahead. Certainly this coast is awful, 

 high rocks, icebergs, desolation, cold, snow and 

 tempest on every hand." 



"Thursday, July 17. Tried to return from where 

 we started from on Monday, but, alas, we could not 

 get back. A vast sheet of ice had been driven by 

 the wind right in our way. Made our way to an 

 island, where we camped. Our guide again full of 

 complaints. He spoke of returning to Blacklead 

 Island if possible. I told him we must face our 

 difficulties in the strength of God like men and go 

 ahead." 



" Friday, July 18. During night wind sprang up 

 from the north, and drove a lot of ice right in upon 

 us. We could see the open water beyond, but could 

 not move." 



