THE ESQUIMAUX BOARDING THE EESCUE. 



121 



this convenient receptacle, now answering the purpose of a geolo- 

 gist's saddle-bag; another time, an Esquimaux lady's bonnet or 

 pouch ; and, next, a baby-house ! One of the limestones, on being 

 broken in two, exposed to view an imbedded mineral the size and 

 shape of a duck-shot. I tried to cut it with my knife, but it was 

 hard as steel ; and no effect was made upon it except by scraping 

 off the oxyd, which then left displayed something like bright iron. 

 Unfortunately, I afterward lost this specimen by dropping it in 

 the ship's hold. 



"We got on board the Rescue about nine o'clock, and had a very 

 pleasant evening in the cabin. The next morning we were again 

 on our way toward the George Henry. As we passed out of the 

 bay, taking another channel, it fell calm, and two boats' crews 

 were ordered ahead to tow. There was a strong tide running, 

 and right in the channel some rocks were seen just below water. 

 It was too late to alter the schooner's course, and, though every 

 effort was made to get clear, yet we should have been left upon 

 those rocks had it not been for the swell of the sea and a good 

 pull at the oars carrying us right over them ! 



In the afternoon, while still towing, three ki-as, followed by 

 oo-mi-ens (family boats of the natives) filled with women and men, 

 approached. On the present occasion, a highly-intelligent Innuit, 

 Koojesse by name, was boat-steerer of one, while his family and 

 other Esquimaux, with all of their connections, their tents, cook- 

 ing utensils, etc., accompanied him. As soon as they reached the 

 Rescue, all came on board, Koojesse having with him one of the 

 finest Esquimaux dogs I had seen. More dogs, deerskins, walrus 

 heads and tusks, with abundance of game, such as ducks, etc., 

 were with the party. 



Among the number now arrived was Kudlagds eldest daugh- 

 ter, Kok-er-zhun, a truly fair and beautiful young woman, already 

 married to a young man called Shi-mer-ar-chu, otherwise Johnny 

 Bull. She came alongside full of hope and happiness, expecting 

 to hear of, and perhaps to meet her father. Both herself and 

 Tunukderlien, the wife of Koojesse, delayed approaching until they 

 had made a change of dress, and then, when ready, on deck they 

 came. But, alas ! how sad was the blow she had to receive ! See- 

 ing Kunniu, Ugarng's wife, whom she knew, the question was put 

 to her, u Nou-ti-ma wong-a a-ta-taV — Where is my father? and 

 when Kunniu, in a calm but kindly way, communicated the painful 

 news, it was as if a thunderbolt had riven her heart ! That face, 



