150 ICE-BOUND ON KOLGUEV 
They found a ford, of which we had known nothing, 
about a mile below our camp. 
So we went across the river, standing on our sleighs, 
with the water all about our feet. 
On the farther bank we stopped the sleighs, for 
Hyland and myself would go and get our boots. 
All was as we left it; indeed we might never have 
been away. The male peregrine was still flying round 
the place, which much surprised me, for I judged that, as 
is the peregrine’s wont, he would long ere this have been 
away to find another mate. And the goose left her nest 
as we came up. Her four eggs were doubtless incubated 
for one which I broke, as we were hungry, was in that 
state. 
Then we pulled out our boots, all right, but earthy- 
smelling from their burial. 
We tramped back, picked up the sleighs, and made 
down the river for the tent. All was safe. 
It took us quite a long time to pack and stow the things 
upon the sleighs. And while we were thus engaged the 
men were hard at work in consultation about us. This 
delighted me very much. I could not follow them, of 
course, as they jabbered on, but I could catch much of 
the drift of it from their gestures, pointings, and the 
like. 
We were mysteries to them, I made no doubt. No 
spirits, however, but good, substantial mysteries, for we 
gave them food to eat. 
