OF THE POLAR SEA. 



207 



returning their shots occasionally, they ac- 

 tually succeeded in their enterprise. One 

 man was killed on each side. They usually 

 strip defenceless persons whom they meet 

 of all their garments, but particularly of 

 those which have buttons, and leave them 

 to travel home in that state, however severe 

 the weather. If resistance be expected, 

 they not unfrequently murder before they 

 attempt to rob. The traders, when they 

 travel, invariably keep some men on guard 

 to prevent surprise, whilst the others sleep ; 

 and often practise the stratagem of lighting 

 a fire at sunset, which they leave burning, 

 and move on after dark to a more distant 

 encampment — yet these precautions do not 

 always baffle the depredators. Such is the 

 description of men whom the traders of this 

 river have constantly to guard against. It 

 must require a long residence among them, 

 and much experience of their manners, to 

 overcome the apprehensions their hostility 

 and threats are calculated to excite. 

 Through fear of having their provision and 

 supplies entirely cut off, the traders are 



