OFF TO ELLESMERE LAND 277 



We lashed them upon the komatik with sealskin 

 thongs, and without great delay resumed our journey 

 toward Ellesmere Land. 



For some distance our course followed a wide lead 

 of open water, where could be seen numerous seals 

 and white whales, with an occasional walrus, while 

 overhead hovered large flocks of sea pigeons and 

 small gulls. 



Presently the dogs crossed a fresh bear-track and, 

 wildly excited, took the scent and were off on a dead 

 run after the quarry. We were as anxious as the 

 dogs to catch the bear. Eiseeyou cut loose one of 

 the seals to lighten his load, and for a time our speed 

 over the smooth ice was terrific. But two other 

 Eskimos, with larger teams of ten and eleven dogs 

 each and lighter loads, soon outstripped us. 



When the bear's tracks at length led into rough, 

 hummocky ice, I advised Eiseeyou to abandon the 

 chase and locate a suitable camping-place, for we had 

 then been traveling twenty-one continuous hours and 

 I was very much wearied and in need of rest and 

 food. At this instant Oxpuddyshou, who had thrown 

 off his load to lighten his sledge, flew past, and I 

 shouted to him not to give up so long as there was 

 hope of killing the bear and that I would give him 

 plenty of tobacco for the skin. 



A halt was at length made near an iceberg from 

 which fresh-water ice could be cut for our kettle. 

 Snow blocks were thrown up to form a wind-break, 

 and in the lee of them I pitched my tent and set up the 

 oil stoves that I might cook my own meal, and brew 



