226 THE SIEGE OF THE NORTH POLE 



promptly shot. Walruses were also seen in great numbers. 

 After feasting on the bear's flesh, they lay down to sleep, 

 but were awakened during the night by a peculiar sound 

 outside the tent. This was found to be caused by a she- 

 bear and her young one, but as Nansen thought they had 

 already sufficient food for the present, they were allowed 

 to escape. Next day the ice had again been driven 

 against the shore, and as they could not proceed they 

 decided to make themselves more comfortable by building 

 a temporary hut of stone. The roof was made of the silk 

 tent spread over snow-shoes and bamboo rods, and the 

 doorway was closed with their coats. Daylight could be 

 seen between the stones on all sides, but yet they con- 

 sidered it comfortable. The way south was still blocked 

 on the following day, which was the 28th of August, and 

 Nansen finally resolved on remaining here during the 

 winter. He was afraid that if he went much farther 

 south he might not have sufficient time to build a house 

 and obtain food. He therefore decided to begin at once 

 and lay in stores while game was yet plentiful. They 

 first decided to attack the walruses, and as they were 

 emptying the kayaks in order to be prepared, a she-bear 

 and her cub were seen coming along the edge of the ice, 

 and both were shot. This was a good beginning. Next 

 day they tried their luck at walrus-hunting. A walrus 

 was soon found, but nine cartridges had to be expended 

 before the monster was killed, and then, before they 

 could get near enough to use a harpoon, it sank and 

 disappeared. They returned to the shore very much 

 crestfallen. 



They now found two walruses lying asleep on the shore- 

 ice, and stole cautiously up to them. Nansen fired at the 

 back of the neck of one, and killed it with the first shot. 

 The other one was struck too far forward in the head, 

 and required three bullets to kill it. They had now to 



