THE ANGEKO. 



167 



and immediately leaving his snow rostrum, lie bounded like a 

 deer toward me. With a face of innocence and full of smiles, he 

 grasped my hand and welcomed me to his magic home; but, 

 though returning the salutation in a friendly manner, I could not 

 so cordially evince pleasure at his acquaintance as I generally did 

 with others. It appeared to me that he was one of those who 

 lived upon the credulity and ignorance of his race, and this 

 thought probably made itself perceptible on my features ; at all 

 events, in a moment or so he left me, and, throwing his arm 

 around Ugarng's neck, he walked with him into a tent, whither 

 they were soon followed by Charley and the .rest of our hired wa- 

 ter-carriers. Koojesse was of the number ; and, while I was look- 

 ing od, much surprised, loud and exciting words were heard from 

 within. Presently Koojesse came out; and upon my making in- 

 quiries, he told me, in a cautious manner, that the angeko was at 

 work, as we should call it, exorcising and otherwise performing 

 various spiritual exercises ! 



Fearing to be considered intrusive, I walked away toward the 

 boat, Koojesse again taking up his water-bucket and continuing 

 his work ; but hardly had I reached the landing-place when down 

 came Mingumailo with a proud and excited step.c He took me 

 by the arm and beckoned me to go with him. I did so, being de- 

 sirous of witnessing some of the farther acts of this curious and 

 important personage. 



"We walked, arm in arm, toward what, though only a tent, I 

 might well style his temple, for toward it several of his worshipers 

 were bending their steps. As we passed along, Koojesse was seen 

 in the distance with a bucket of water in each hand. In an in- 

 stant, at one word, one motion of my companion, Koojesse, 

 though otherwise a man of great intelligence and strong mind, 

 left his water just where it was and joined us. On approaching 

 the tupic, Mingumailo ordered Koojesse to go in first, and then 

 directed me to follow. I did so by falling upon my hands and 

 knees, and, in this necessary posture, entered the abode of our Es- 

 quimaux prophet. The angeko followed, and immediately di- 

 rected Koojesse to take a position on one side of the bed that was 

 within, and me to be on the other side. Next to Koojesse was 

 seated a pretty Esquimaux woman, one of the nulianas (wives) 

 of the angeko, the other wife — for he had two— not then being at 

 home. 



Now commenced the solemn exercises of the peculiar worship 



