TWO DIANAS IN ALASKA 167 



As we returned to the Lily a strong tide was run- 

 ning into the lagoon. Our thoughts were always 

 wandering to that absent herd of walruses, wondering 

 when, if ever, they would return once more to their 

 accustomed haunt upon the sandbank. It was, there- 

 fore,, with no small satisfaction that as we rowed 

 slowly homewards there was borne across the waters, 

 from the open sea, those deep, hoarse, bellowing notes 

 to which our ears were now accustomed. 



Soon we saw the herd of monstrous beasts swim- 

 ming slowly, and coming in upon the rising tide. A 

 gentle breeze was blowing towards the shore, and thus 

 the oncoming animals could not wind us. Presently 

 they swam right into the lagoon, and gradually ap- 

 proached quite close up to the boat, some of the more 

 inquisitive members even approaching to within thirty 

 or forty yards of us. Very imposing and fearsome 

 did they look. Again and again one bolder than the 

 rest would dive, and suddenly appear quite close to 

 us, then, raising his huge head and shoulders well out 

 of the water, would gaze intently at us ere diving 

 again and retreating to join his companions. 



Our sailors displayed unwonted energy in rowing, 

 since they were clearly frightened by the thrilling 

 yarns that they had heard of small boats being 

 attacked and capsized by walruses in Arctic regions. 

 Personally we regarded such stories as tales to be 

 taken cum grano salis. 



As the monsters rolled and dived around the boat 

 bitterly I regretted the absence of my camera, which 

 reposed in my cabin aboard the Lily. But now I had 



