GREENLAND BY THE POLAR SEA 



At six o'clock in the morning hunger forces us to break in 

 on the provisions reserved for the glacier ; in good spirits we 

 boil oatmeal gruel on the Primus, as it is impossible to make a 

 fire outside. Each man receives two cups of gruel, and the 

 good A vena oats warm our bodies like a fire, and rest like 

 caresses on our empty stomachs. 



Oh, how good it is ! We are all in a funny, childish mood 

 which reminds us of the birthdays of our childhood ; this is the 

 result of a little proper food. We can keep up for another 

 while, for as long as we are weather-bound the point is to put 

 physical energy on the lowest gear. 



Noon is as a rule the time when changes for the better 

 occur, and we therefore always approach the middle of the day 

 with a feeling of excitement. It is thus also to-day. At 

 twelve o'clock the weather clears and a couple of seals crawl as 

 usual up on the ice some way from the tent. They catch fleas 

 and roll happily about in the snow, occasionally glancing to- 

 wards the camp, then again stretching out at full length, 

 drunk with sleep, taking their sun-bath in the cool afternoon 

 with closed eyes. Previously we were happy when they 

 popped up, now we have begun to hate them. 



After the last attempt Harrigan declared that he considers 

 it hopeless to hunt seal through the deep water ; but Ajako, 

 who does not know the feeling of giving up as long as there is 

 the faintest possibility of success, declares that in spite of all 

 he will attempt to wade out into the water. For this reason 

 we cook seal meat and a cup of coffee and the situation immedi- 

 ately seems lighter. Alas, how we humans are ruled by our 

 stomachs and the little ballast which they claim ! 



I admit it, dear reader — one does become materialistic 

 when food so extensively claims one's thoughts. But the crav- 

 ing for food is far from being a sovereign ruler. Many 

 thoughts go out to one's nearest relatives, and it is the longing 

 for home and the thought of the dear ones which is the real 

 source of strength. 



So one drowns in an ocean of good intentions, and if only 

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