ESTABLISHING OURSELVES 33 



intend the erection of the structure. The men are working in 

 their undershirts and trousers, and it is quite warm enough for 

 me to stay on deck without a wrap, even when I am not exer- 

 cising ; yet, if we had this temperature at home, we should con- 

 sider it decidedly cool. 1 have had oil-stoves taken ashore for 

 the purpose of heating the tent in case it becomes necessar)'. 

 Wednesday, July 29. The last three days have been busy 

 ones for me, being obliged to attend to all the packing and 



unpacking myself, be- 

 sides waiting on Mr. 

 Peary. Monday, after 

 Our " Cottage by the Sea." dinner, the boys finished 



cl^ggir'g the foundations. Mr. Peary was then strapped to a 

 board, and four men carried him from the " Kite " into a boat. 

 After crossing the bay he was carried up to the tent just 

 back of where the house is being erected, and placed on 

 a rough couch. He is near enough to superintend the work, 

 and everything is progressing favorably. 



Last night was a queer one for me. All the boys slept on 

 board the " Kite," leaving me entirely alone with my crippled 



