POLAR BEARS. 191 



of the polar bear is famed for its rankness, we would 

 not have exchanged it at that time for its weight in 

 silver. 



The carcase was found to be extremely poor, the only 

 food found in the stomach being the droppings of rein- 

 deer. At the first meeting, therefore, Louis must have 

 been considered a very desirable prize. It was merely a 

 question of which should eat up the other in order to 

 prolong existence. Fortunately for our party the Indian 

 proved to be the fittest survivor. No part of the carcase 

 was wasted, but every scrap, amounting to between 

 three and four hundred pounds, including the hide, was 

 placed in bags and carried to the canoes, which we 

 reached with much difficulty long after dark. 



Next morning a strong east wind, driving a wild surf 

 in upon the shore, made it impossible to launch, but we 

 were thankful during the delay to have a supply of 

 meat on hand with which to satisfy the cravings of 

 hunger. Advantage was also taken of the opportunity 

 afforded for obtaining moss. Though five or six miles 

 distant, a quantity of this fuel was gathered, and several 

 large kettles of meat boiled almost sufficient, it was 

 hoped, to take us to Churchill. But alas for our hopes ! 

 The gale which had arisen increased in fury until it 

 became a terrific storm, accompanied by sleet and snow. 

 This continued for five long days. 



One night the tent occupied by my brother and I was 

 ripped up the back by the force of the gale, arid with 

 difficulty kept from being carried away. So piercingly 

 cold was the wind that without shelter we must soon 

 have perished. We were already numb with cold, but 

 in the midst of snow and darkness I managed to find in 



