OF THE POLAR SEA. 151 



stated that we gave a faithful explanation to 

 all his inquiries, which policy would have 

 prompted us to do if a love of truth had 

 not; for whenever these northern nations f 

 detect a falsehood in the dealings of the 

 traders, they make it an unceasing subject 

 of reproach, and their confidence is irre- 

 coverably lost. 



We presented to the chief, the two guides, 

 and the seven hunters, who had engaged to 

 accompany us, some cloth, blankets, to- 

 bacco, knives, daggers, besides other useful 

 iron materials, and a gun to each ; also a 

 keg of very weak spirits and water, which 

 they kept until the evening, as they had to 

 try their guns before dark, and make the 

 necessary preparations for commencing the 

 journey on the morrow. They, however, 

 did not leave us so soon, as the chief was 

 desirous of being present with his party at 

 the dance, which was given in the evening 

 to our Canadian voyagers. They were 

 highly entertained by the vivacity and agi- 

 lity displayed by our companions in their 

 singing and dancing, and especially by their 



