POLAR BEARS. om 
of the polar bear is famed for its rankness, we would 
not have exchanged it at that time for its weight in 
silver. 
The carcase was found to be extremely poor, the only 
food found in the stomach being the droppings of rein- 
deer. At the first meeting, therefore, Louis must have 
been considered a very desirable prize. It was merely a 
question of which should eat up the other in order to 
prolong existence. Fortunately for our party the Indian 
proved to be the fittest survivor. No part of the carcase 
was wasted, but every scrap, amounting to between 
three and four hundred pounds, including the hide, was 
placed in bags and carried to the canoes, which we 
reached with much difficulty long after dark. 
Next morning a strong east wind, driving a wild surf 
in upon the shore, made it impossible to launch, but we. 
were thankful during the delay to have a supply of 
meat on hand with which to satisfy the cravings of 
hunger. Advantage was also taken of the opportunity 
afforded for obtaining moss. Though five or six miles 
distant, a quantity of this fuel was gathered, and several 
large kettles of meat boiled—almost sufficient, it was 
hoped, to take us to Churchill. But alas for our hopes! 
The gale which had arisen increased in fury until it 
became a terrific storm, accompanied by sleet and snow. 
This continued for five long days. 
One night the tent occupied by my brother and I was 
ripped up the back by the force of the gale, and with 
difficulty kept from being carried away. So piercingly 
cold was the wind that without shelter we must soon 
have perished. We were already numb with cold, but 
in the midst of snow and darkness I managed to find in 
