STARTLING SCENE. — GRATEFUL TO HEAVEN. 



201 



mer (fire-lamp), which, is an expensive heat and light when oil 

 and blubber become scarce ; and in this case our materials for 

 fuel were all expended. 



While our own igloo was being erected, Ugarng and his second 

 wife arrived from sealing, and, to the joy of all, brought with him 

 a fine seal. He generously supplied us with what we wanted, and 

 thus an excellent supper was added to cheerful light and genial 

 warmth from the now well-fed lamp. 



My fourth night in an igloo, on this journey, was spent more 

 comfortably than the previous two had been, and on the follow- 

 ing morning I rose greatly refreshed and strengthened. As I 

 looked upon the expanse over which we had passed, I was start- 

 led to find the ice all gone out to sea. This was confirmed by a 

 view shortly afterward obtained from the top of a mountain be- 

 hind our igloos, and I felt truly grateful to Heaven for having 

 so preserved us. 



During the day I took a walk on shore, and the two Esqui- 

 maux went sealing. They returned at night with a fine prize, 

 which made us an excellent feast ; and, as my own stock of pro- 

 visions was exhausted, except a trifle I reserved in case of sick- 

 ness, this supply was most timely. 



On the following day, January 15th, Ebierbing and Koodloo 

 departed, with the sledge and dogs, on a hunting excursion, and 

 I went away to examine the locality around. During my walk 

 over the hills I came across numerous tracks of rabbits, and I 

 also saw in the distance several prominent headlands that were 

 familiar to me from noticing them when we first arrived here in 

 the ship. 



While rambling about, I fortunately preserved myself from a 

 severe frostbite in the face by taking the precaution of carrying 

 a small pocket mirror which belonged to Tookoolito. I had asked 

 the loan of it, knowing how necessary it was, when one is alone 

 in those regions, to have a detector of frostbites ; and I found the 

 use of a mirror in such a case equivalent to the companionship 

 of another person. 



That night I was alone with Tookoolito and Punnie ; the latter 

 Ugarng's third wife, she having come to our igloo to keep com- 

 pany with us until the husbands returned. It was very cold — 

 the thermometer down to 57° below freezing point. Now my 

 usual sleeping-place was between Ebierbing and Koodloo; but 

 they being absent, I had to lay on the general bed, wrapped in 



