CHAPTER XV 

 HOME TO THULE 



THE first three weeks we spent in Etah were entirely occu- 

 pied in regaining our strength as quickly as possible. It 

 was quite uncanny to see, as soon as we got our clothes 

 off, how hunger had ravaged our bodies ; we were so thin that 

 ribs and chest especially showed sharply through the skin. But 

 although we had been as bad as we could possibly be if our lives 

 were to be saved, it was surprising how soon we recovered. It 

 was as if our entire organism had been purified and renewed, 

 for after less than a month had elapsed we were in better form 

 than we had ever been before. We were then able to set to 

 again, and much we had to do and many dispositions we had 

 to make. We now knew that no ship would arrive to fetch us, 

 and that we must calmly look forward to another wintering. 

 This period of waiting, with its primitive conditions of life, 

 could scarcely offer us opportunities for important work. We 

 must go southward as soon as might be, for it was clear that a 

 prolonged stay in Etah would not be possible. 



The Eskimos' autumn hunt had entirely failed, and it 

 would be unjustifiable of us to use more than was strictly neces- 

 sary of the American provisions our hosts possessed ; in the 

 course of the winter they themselves would need them. Already 

 by the end of September every day meant a fight for meat. 

 There were a fair number of hares in the neighbourhood, and 

 they were eagerly hunted, but although the bags were good 

 they did not last out well, for no less than twenty-eight people 

 were living in the house of the expedition. Twice a day we 

 gathered for a big common meal towards which every hunter 

 contributed ; but although the will to give was there, it was 

 284. 



