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ON HERSCHEL AND FLAXMAN ISLANDS 319 



natives commenced to scatter over the neighbourhood. Some 

 went over to the mainland and down to the Mackenzie River 

 with their boats heavily loaded with provisions ; others went to 

 the west, but the majority remained in order to get what they 

 could from the steamer, the S.S. Herman, which was yet 

 expected. 



A great deal of food had certainly been left on the island 

 that year; all the caches and storehouses were full ; every native 

 had his own little pile locked up in the Government storehouse, 

 and Sergeant Fitzgerald took good care of it. But, in spite of 

 all this plenty, there was likely to be a dreary winter for those 

 on Herschel Island with only one small ship wintering there. 

 The years when Herschel Island was a lively place were now 

 past. 



We began to fear that the Herman would not come, but on 

 the night of August 30 we who were in the houses heard 

 to our joy the call of " Umiackpok kaily," which told us that 

 the long-expected steamer had hove in sight. Captain Tilton 

 had got some good dogs for us, and promised to land me as 

 well as the dogs on Flaxman Island. 



A native from Kotzebue Sound, who was well liked by all 

 the white men at Herschel Island, wanted to come and work 

 for us, and as he might prove of great help to Mr. Leffingwell, 

 I engaged him. However, I could not induce Captain Tilton 

 to take the family on board his ship, and I made arrangements 

 with another native family to take Anderson (the native's 

 " white man's " name) down to Flaxman Island in a whaleboat, 

 while his dogs and some of his gear were taken on board the 

 Herman. On September i, at 5 P.M., we left Herschel Island, 

 after I had thanked my friends the Mounted Police for all the 

 kindness they had shown me and for the interest they had 

 taken in our work. I had a very pleasant time on board the 

 Herman; the captain and all the officers were very kind, and I 

 was landed at the east end of Flaxman Island during the night 

 of September 3. The Herman was the last vessel going back 

 that year, and I felt quite lonely when I was left behind, but 

 only three miles away there were other people, Mr. Leffingwell, 

 and, as I hoped, Storkersen. 



The Eskimo village was deserted, every one was out hunting 

 deer, and I started for home at once. When I was near enough 



