OF THE POLAR SEA. 



347 



and then Augustus presented himself, and had some conversation 

 across the river. He told them the white people had arrived, who 

 would make them very useful presents. The information of our 

 arrival, seemed to alarm them very much, but as the noise of the 

 rapid prevented them from hearing distinctly, one of them came 

 nearer to him in his canoe, and received the rest of the message. 

 He would not, however, land on his side of the river, but returned 

 to their tents without receiving the present. His language differed 

 in some respects from Augustus's, but they understood each other 

 tolerably well. Augustus trusting for a supply of provision to the 

 Esquimaux, had neglected to carry any with him, and this was the 

 main cause of Junius's return. We now encamped, having come 

 fourteen miles. After a few hours' rest Junius set off again to rejoin 

 his companion, being accompanied by Hepburn, who was directed 

 to remain about two miles above the fall, to arrest the canoes on 

 their passage, lest we should too suddenly surprise the Esqui- 

 maux. About ten P.M. we were mortified by the appearance 

 of the Indians with Mr. Wentzel, who had in vain endeavoured to 

 restrain them from following us. The only reason assigned by 

 Akaitcho for this conduct was, that he wished a re-assurance of my 

 promise to establish peace between his nation and the Esquimaux. 

 I took this occasion of pointing out again the necessity of their 

 remaining behind, until we had obtained the confidence and good- 

 will of their enemies. After supper Dr. Eichardson ascended a lofty 

 hill about three miles from the encampment, and obtained the first 

 view of the sea ; it appeared to be covered with ice. A large promon- 

 tory, which I named Cape Hearne, bore N.E., and its lofty mountains 

 proved to be the blue land we had seen in the forenoon, and which 

 had led us to believe the sea was still far distant. He saw the sun 

 set a few minutes before midnight from the same elevated situation. 

 It did not rise during the half hour he remained there, but before 

 he reached the encampment its rays gilded the tops of the hills. 



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