THE WHITE WORLD 



boiler, which in less than ten minutes became cold, then 

 a scrubbing, and my subject was ready for oiling. The 

 odor was anything but pleasant. Matt Hensen came to my 

 rescue, helping to clean and rub. Mr. Figgins, our taxi- 

 .dermist, and Mr. Lee also assisted at times. 



My casting sometimes was 

 performed in the hold, by the 

 light of several candles. A 

 couple of hatch covers were laid 

 side by side over one of the 

 coal bins, as a floor. The model 

 was placed on his back and told 

 to lie still. 



Getting clay into shape and 

 mixing plaster, when my sur- 

 roundings were unstable and 

 threatening to fall apart every 

 moment, were not quite to my 

 taste. Referring to my field 

 notes, I find that one eye was 

 constantly on the ship's side, 

 f.rst eskimo bust expecting to see the crunching 



ice come through. The terrible 

 grinding along the sides would make every one of us start. 

 At times my mould would split in pieces. 



After a few were cast I had little trouble so far as my 

 subjects were concerned. They were willing to have hands, 

 feet and faces cast. I selected one Eskimo, a bright, quick- 

 witted fellow named Keshu, to carry water for me. He 

 was always jolly and smiling, quick to repeat words, and 

 already knew considerable. A very good cast of his face 

 was made, also of his son Mene, a smart little fellow, who, 

 with five other Eskimo, was brought to the United States 

 on board the " Hope." Four of these died; one returned 

 with Lieutenant Peary; Mene has become Americanized, 

 and is now living with an American family. 



Some of the old Eskimo came in for their share, and 

 full figures of male and female were secured. At Meteorite 

 Island, while working on the meteorite which was brought 

 to the United States, the tent was pitched on shore, and a 

 standing figure cast, which almost went to destruction. 



300 



