OF THE POLAR SEA. 



141 



would have done honour to the most civi- 

 lized people. The night was mild, and 

 fatigue made us sleep soundly. 



From this period to the 26th of Novem- 

 ber we gradually improved, through their 

 kindness and attention; and on that day 

 arrived in safety at the abode of our chief 

 and companion Akaitcho. We were re- 

 ceived by the party assembled in the 

 leader's tent with looks of compassion and 

 profound silence, which lasted about a 

 quarter . of an hour, and by which they 

 meant to express their condolence for our 

 sufferings. The conversation did not begin 

 until we had tasted food. The chief, 

 Akaitcho, showed us the most friendly hos- 

 pitality, and all sorts of personal attention, 

 even to cooking for us with his own hands, 

 an office which he never performs for him- 

 self. Annoethai-yazzeh and Humpy, the 

 chief's two brothers, and several of our 

 hunters, with their families, were encamped 

 here, together with a number of old men 

 and women. In the course of the day we 

 were visited by every person of the band, 



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