GREENLAND BY THE POLAR SEA 



southern part of Melville Bay, had promised to wait for our 

 mail. From Cape Seddon they would be brought by one of 

 the whalers by the end of May to the district of Upernivik, 

 from whence they would reach Denmark some time during 

 the course of the summer. 



Our camp was bitterly cold and there was a strong wind, 

 but nevertheless we worked busily at our reports ; the already 

 considerable collection of fossils was suitably packed for being 

 sent southward. 



In the afternoon everything was ready, and the pack- 

 sledges at once started on the homeward journey so that they 

 might not unnecessarily waste our provisions and the food 

 for our dogs. Their departure was quick and without cere- 

 mony, as is the custom amongst hunters ; but we knew that 

 their thoughts would often dwell on our fate, for they are all 

 men whose lives have been spent on long journeys, and they 

 know by experience how quickly evil and good interchange in 

 the life of a hunter. 



They are : The great Tornge, who, after an unsuccessful 

 journey towards the North Pole, has fought for life through a 

 long winter by the big Lake Hazen in Grant Land ; the hand- 

 some Pauluna, who has shared in the adventurous winterings by 

 Cape Sheridan ; and finally Majaq, the courageous hunter who 

 played the part of the northernmost provision dealer in the 

 world at Renslaer Harbour. 



When we took leave of these men something happened 

 which moved me deeply. Besides those mentioned as re- 

 turning, young Inukitsoq was also present ; he had his bap- 

 tism of fire during the first Thule Expedition, and together 

 with Uvdloriaq he is well known to those who have read my 

 travelling diary of 1912. Once during serious difficulties we 

 promised each other that we would never undertake such a 

 journey again. Inukitsoq kept his word, I broke mine. We 

 remembered this incident during all the fun of leave-taking, 

 which the Eskimos appreciate so highly, and he became sud- 

 denly very serious and went up to his team of dogs, which is 

 renowned throughout the tribe as the strongest and most 

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