ITINERATIONS AND RESULTS 129 



" two Eskimos had arrived, and they had succeeded 

 in killing three white bears on their way in. These 

 they had attacked with knives, as they had no guns 

 with them. They seem to have little fear in attack- 

 ing any animal they may meet with, providing there 

 is some chance of killing the game." 



And so through the month of March, 1881, Mr. 

 Peck continued to make Great Whale River his 

 headquarters, itinerating from there among the 

 encampments and snow villages of the wandering 

 Eskimos. We find him always hopeful, always 

 cheery, always encouraged by the attitude of the 

 people to whom he is ministering. At one time, we 

 read : " They take as much interest as ever in the 

 truths which are laid before them, and there is a 

 marked spirit of devotion in our little meetings. 

 How cheering and soul-refreshing this is ! Who 

 would murmur at solitude or trial after this ? " 



At another time, as he is making a night journey 

 in his sledge, the Aurora, the brilliant northern 

 lights, made the heavens a wonder to behold. Waves 

 of light of every conceivable colour flitted across 

 the clear blue sky, while the moon, God's great 

 night-light, shone brightly upon the white expanse 

 of snow beneath. " Often have I gazed with wonder 

 upon an Arctic night, and while looking up have 

 thought of the Psalmist's words, ' The heavens 

 declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth 

 His handiwork.' At such times my soul seems held 



9 



