208 HUNTING WITH THE ESKIMOS 



clear overhead, a high wind drove the snow in blind- 

 ing clouds. 



Before we reached the high mountain south of 

 Annootok, which I had learned to know so well, the 

 journey had stamped itself upon my memory as the 

 longest, coldest and hardest I had yet experienced. 

 From the top of the mountain we looked down upon 

 Annootok, little more than a half mile distant, and 

 very snug and attractive the little settlement seemed. 

 The slope of this mountain is very steep, and sledges 

 must be lowered at various points with harpoon lines, 

 I could be of small assistance in this, as there were 

 men enough to handle them, and therefore, with 

 Ishyatah, pushed on ahead. The mountain side was 

 exceedingly slippery, and both of us had several falls 

 on steep inclines, before we reached the village, where 

 every one was sleeping. The dogs set up a con- 

 certed howl, however, at our appearance, and very 

 quickly we were surrounded by men, women and chil- 

 dren, clamoring to welcome us. 





j 



