OF THE POLAR SEA. 157 



24" E. Thermometer 75° at three P.M. 

 Sultry weather. 



Augustus and Junius not having returned 

 next morning, we were more alarmed 

 respecting them, and determined on pro- 

 ceeding to find out the cause of their deten- 

 tion, but it was eleven A.M. before we 

 could prevail upon the Indians to remain 

 behind, which we wished them to do, lest 

 the Esquimaux might be suspicious of our 

 intentions, if they were seen in our suite. 

 We promised to send for them when we 

 had paved the way for their reception ; but 

 Akaitcho, ever ready to augur misfortune, 

 expressed his belief that our messengers 

 had been killed, and that the Esquimaux, 

 warned of our approach, were lying in wait 

 for us, and " although," said he, " your 

 party may be sufficiently strong to repulse 

 any hostile attack, my band is too weak to 

 offer effectual resistance when separated 

 from you, and therefore we are determined 

 to go on with you, or to return to our lands." 

 After much argument, however, he yielded, 

 and agreed to stay behind, provided Mr. 



