DANCE ON BOARD SHIP. 



75 



master and his wife, with their infant child at her back, and most 

 all the town, were there. Never did the George Henry and her 

 crew look happier, gayer, or present a more varied scene. With 

 warm hearts, honest faces, and a ready mood for the fullest mirth 

 of the hour, did we enter upon the festive day. 



The vessel was decorated for the occasion, and it would amuse 

 many friends and readers at home were I able to give at length 

 all that occurred. In this merry dance the Esquimaux did 

 their very best, and our bold sailor-boys showed themselves not 

 a whit behind. Even Captain B , Mate Eogers, and — my- 

 self! had to join in the dizzy whirl. As for myself, I was pos- 

 itively forced into it. In a jocular yet impressive manner, one 

 and all insisted upon my treading on "the light fantastic toe." 

 My hands were placed in those of two Esquimaux ladies, when I 

 was fairly dragged into the dance ; and dance I did ! Yes, I 

 danced ; that is, I went through certain motions which in courtesy 

 to me were called dancing, but what would the belles of my own 



DANCE ON BOARD THE GEORGE HENRY. 



country have said of it ? I blush to think. However, it so hap- 

 pened that nobody was hurt, except a few of the Holsteinborg 

 maidens, upon whose feet I had rather clumsily trod, and who 



