378 HUNTING WITH THE ESKIMOS 



might have remained in one position and secured in 

 a little while as many as were needed. 



We had been on the island four days when Billy 

 and five Eskimos returned with the boat. Shortly 

 after their arrival five walrus were sighted not far 

 away, sleeping on a pan of ice. Portlooner and I 

 launched the boat at once, stole upon the game, and 

 were fortunate enough to capture two of them. The 

 meat was carried to Littleton Island, and while the 

 Eskimos were engaged in caching it I took a fresh 

 supply of shot-cartridges, which Billy had brought 

 me, stationed myself between two large rocks in a 

 low, grassy spot, and in two hours winged and se- 

 cured one hundred and seventy-two ducks as they 

 flew over my head. Reserving a few for immediate 

 use I divided my kill between Kulutinguah and Port- 

 looner, who received them with expressions of de- 

 light, and each immediately cached his share. 



Without further delay we ran down to Etah, where 

 we found the Eskimos rejoicing over ten walrus they 

 had just killed, a very material addition to their win- 

 ter stores. None of the walrus had tusks worth 

 keeping, but their skins, all of which the hunters were 

 saving for Peary, were in good shape. 



Shortly after we arrived rain began, with a strong 

 south wind, and the weather was so disagreeable all 

 day, with alternate rain, hail and snow, that I re- 

 mained in camp and spent my time patching clothing 

 with indifferent results, as most of my things were 

 in rags and under other circumstances would have 



