34 MV ARCTIC JOURNAL 



husband in the little shelter-tent on the south shore of 

 McCormick Bay. I had forgotten to have my rifle brought 

 ashore, and I could not help thinking what would be the best 

 thing for me to do in case an unwelcome visitor in the shape 

 of a bear should take it into his head to poke his nose into 

 the tent. While I was lying awake, imagining all sorts of 

 things, I heard most peculiar grunts and snorts coming from 

 tlie direction of the beach, and on looking out saw a school of 

 white whale playing in the water just in front of our tent. 

 They seemed to be playing tag, chasing each other and diving 

 and splashing just like children in the water. I was surprised 

 at their graceful movements as they glided along, almost 

 coming up on the beach at times. The night passed unevent- 

 fully, but I decided to have Matt sleep on shore to-night, 

 should the others go on board the " Kite " again. In case of 

 a sudden wind-storm I could not steady the tent alone, and 

 some one ought to be within calling distance. 



As the members of the returning party come to bid us 

 good-by it makes me feel very, very homesick; but a year 

 will soon pass, and then we too shall return home. The pro- 

 fessor has kindly offered to see mama, and do for her what 

 he can in the way of keeping her posted. 



Early Thursday morning, July 30, those of our party who 

 had slept aboard ship — that is, all except Mr. Peary, Matt, and 

 myself — were aroused and told they must "pull for the 

 shore," as the " Kite " was going to turn her nose toward 



