220 HUNTING WITH THE ESKIMOS 



luctantly he went back for the mutinous team, while 

 I waited until he brought them down. The moment 

 I resumed charge of them they were aware of it, and 

 did much as they liked. But Kudlar was very good. 

 He did not leave me behind again, and every little 

 while pulled alongside to whip them into subjection 

 and order. 



When at length we reached the place where I was 

 to meet Kulutinguah, he had not yet arrived, and I 

 told Kudlar he might go on to Littleton Island, where 

 he wished to open a cache, and I would wait. After 

 two lonely hours Kulutinguah came around a point 

 with three fine large blue foxes, and when the dogs 

 glimpsed him they went wild with joy, and I was 

 little less glad to see him. 



The remainder of the journey to Etah was void 

 of adventure, as was the return trip to Annootok, 

 until we reached the summit of the steep hill where 

 the trail drops down into Annootok. The sledges 

 were heavily loaded with bags of coal and boxes of 

 provisions. It was necessary to let these down the 

 steep grades at the ends of harpoon lines, after un- 

 harnessing the dogs. Three harpoon lines were 

 fastened together to get a good length, one end tied 

 to the rear of our komatik and while Kulutinguah 

 ahead guided the sledge I held to the lines, endeavor- 

 ing to lower the weight gradually. My hands were 

 so benumbed with cold, however, that in spite of my 

 best efforts the line slipped through my fingers, and 

 before we could prevent it the sledge got away from 

 me and was dashing down the mountainside. It 



