AuR. 1858. AGAIN IN DANGEK. 161 



found that they were easily tired under cross- 

 examination, and often said they knew no more ; 

 it was necessary to humour them. 



According to their account the depot was 

 discovered and robbed by people living further 

 west. This is probably true, as so few relics 

 were to be seen here, which would not be the 

 case if such active fellows as A-wah-lah and 

 Noo-luk had received the first information of 

 its proximity. These people of Kaparoktolik 

 are the only inhabitants of the land lying 

 eastward of Navy Board Inlet, and live en- 

 tirely upon its southern shore. In a similar 

 manner, it is only the southern coast of the 

 land to the west of Navy Board Inlet that is 

 inhabited. After distributing presents to all 

 the women and children, and making a few 

 trifling purchases from the men, we returned 

 next day to the ship. 



During my absence more ice had broken 

 away, involving the ship and almost forcing her 

 on shore. It required every exertion to save 

 her. For two hours she continued in imminent 

 danger, and was only saved by the warping and 

 ice-blasting, by which at last she got clear of the 

 drifting masses, four minutes only before these 

 were crushed up against the rocks ! 



Four Esquimaux came off to the ship in their 



M 



