HUNTING THE SEA OTTER. 177 



to assist them in otter hunting; but the crew would 

 not agree to serve willingly, being anxious to return 

 home. So the matter was dropped ; more especially, 

 no doubt, as our departure was more eagerly desired 

 than anything else. 



We also learned from our men that one of the gunboat's 

 men, named Yuski, had been killed by a bear, which he had 

 wounded and followed up alone. Baker knew the man, 

 who had served under him in another gunboat, and 

 described him as having always been a very venturesome 

 fellow, and rather foolhardy. 



Declining their offers of assistance, we finally promised 

 to leave as soon as our complement of wood and water had 

 been received. With this our naval friend left us, after 

 enjoining us on no account to return to Onabetzu, as it 

 would only result in the confiscation of our vessel and 

 cargo. 



We had to be content with this, as there was no appeal; 

 and, as far as we could tell, they were strictly within their 

 rights. 



We were also informed that still another gunboat was 

 expected ; and, as it was now the middle of August, with 

 a season of still worse weather and heavier storms with, 

 perhaps, the tail end of a typhoon thrown in approaching, 

 besides the prospect of being harried by gunboats, the 

 game would scarcely be worth the candle, and we came 

 to the conclusion that we must consider our cruise at 

 an end. 



So at two o'clock we weighed anchor, saluted the yacht, 

 and turned our backs sorrowfully upon the familiar bay, 

 which had grown almost home-like to us, and behind whose 

 arms we had so often sheltered. And yet, before little 

 more than a year should pass, our gallant little vessel, that 

 had carried us through so much, was to return, only to 

 have her timbers piled up on the sandy shore for ever. 



The story of her loss may be briefly stated here. Snow, 

 with another crew and companions, came up to hunt in 



N 



