196 MY ARCTIC JOURNAL 



flapped against the mast in the eddy of wind under the point, 

 every one breathed a sigh of rehef. 



In spite of the fury of the storm out in the gulf, here in the 

 bay under the steep shore everything was calm and quiet. The 

 mast and sail were taken down and the oars run out, and our 

 native crew settled down to work again, glad to warm them- 

 selves by exercise. Suddenly, however, the wind, with the 

 perverseness common to winds in these Arctic regions, came 

 rushing out of the bay, meeting us full in the face, and making 

 it almost impossible for the men to make head against it. But 

 Mr. Peary .spurred them on, and by hugging the shore we 

 succeeded, with the aid of the tide, in reaching a little island 

 about half-way up the bay, opposite which, despite the high 

 waves, we effected a landing. We had the utmost difficulty 

 in setting up our tent, but we at ' last got the better of the 

 hurricane by securing the bottom of the tent all around with 

 huge stones. 



Never before had I understood the power of the wind. To 

 add to its terrifying effect, it did not blow steadily now, as 

 when it first commenced, but came in frightful gusts with 

 intervals of calm between. For perhaps a minute or two it 

 would be absolutely still, the black cliffs across the bay would 

 loom up in j)erfect distinctness, and every intonation of the 

 waves, dashing upon the rocks, could be heard ; then a rush- 

 ing white wall would spring into view around the bend of the 

 bay a mile or so above us, an ominous murmur would be heard, 

 rapidly increasing in volume and intensity, until, with a roar. 



