ISO ICE-BOUND ON KOLGUKV 



They found a ford, of which we had known nothing, 

 about a mile below our camp. 



So we went across the river, standing on our sleighs, 

 with the water all about our feet. 



On the farther bank we stopped the sleighs, for 

 Hyland and myself would go and get our boots. 



All was as we left it ; indeed we might never have 

 been away. The male peregrine was still flying round 

 the place, which much surprised me, for I judged that, as 

 is the peregrine's wont, he would long ere this have been 

 away to find another mate. And the goose left her nest 

 as we came up. Her four eggs were doubtless incubated 

 for one which I broke, as we were hungry, was in that 

 state. 



Then we pulled out our boots, all right, but earthy- 

 smelling from their burial. 



We tramped back, picked up the sleighs, and made 

 down the river for the tent. All was safe. 



It took us quite a long time to pack and stow the things 

 upon the sleighs. And while we were thus engaged the 

 men were hard at work in consultation about us. This 

 delighted me very much. I could not follow them, of 

 course, as they jabbered on, but I could catch much of 

 the drift of it from their gestures, pointings, and the 

 like. 



We were mysteries to them, I made no doubt. No 

 spirits, however, but good, substantial mysteries, for we 

 Qfave them food to eat. 



