CHAPTER XIII 



OFF FOR THE INLAND ICE 



The First Detachment of tlie Inland Ice-party leaves Redcliffe — Departure of the 

 Leader of the Expedition — Rest after the Excitement — Arrival of the Ravens 



— Return of Gibson and Matt — Gloomy Weather — Daily Incidents at RedclifTe 



— Spring Arrivals of Eskimos — Eskimos imprisoned in their Igloos by a May 

 Snow-storm — The First Little Auks — Open Water off Cape Cleveland — Har- 

 bingers of Summer — Myriads of Auks and Seals — Snow-buntings — Green 

 Grass and Flies — Kyo, the Angekok, 



Saturday, April 30. The past week has been one of hustle 

 and bustle. The overland ice journey has been uppermost in 

 our minds and actions, and this morning the real start was 

 made. All the bo3's except Verhoeff, with the dogs and five 

 natives, left with three loaded sledges for the head of the bay, 

 whither several loads of provisions had already been trans- 

 ported. Mr. Peary is to follow in a few days. 



Wednesday, May 4. At 8.30 P. M. yesterday, Mr. Peary 

 with Matt, who had returned for additional equipment, started 

 for the head of the bay to join Gibson, Astrup, and Dr. Cook, 

 who ha\-e been there since Saturday. I watched him out of 

 sight, and then returned to the house, where Mr. Verhoeflf and 

 I will keep bachelor and maid's hall. For three full months I 



