THE SEAECH FOR BROWN. 



229 



As fast as I could, I made the exchange of civilization dress for 

 my Innuit costume. With my marine glass and compass in hand, 

 I made my way on deck. A company of ten men met me there, 

 prepared for the dangerous work before us. The thought occur- 

 red to me that we should take along with us one of the Innuits 

 of the sledge party which came in on Saturday night, either Koo- 

 jesse or Charley. Seeing the former on deck, I asked him to ac- 

 company us. He quickly joined in. Our first work was to go 

 to the spot where the tracks of poor Brown were seen as reported. 



" We set out at 8 20 A.M., taking a true W.KW. course. 

 Our movements were rapid, impelled by the feeling that incited 

 all hearts with the hope we might be in time to save human life. 

 It was only occasionally that we walked — we ran! I felt, oh! 

 that we had wings, and could determine these anxious fears and 

 doubts in a few moments, instead of waiting the hours that it will 

 require to settle them! Koojesse and Sam, both great travelers, 

 were for pressing on with all their immediate strength. I knew 

 this would not do ; that by this course they would not only sac- 

 rifice their own important services for a long search, which evi- 

 dently it would be, but also those of all the other men. I there- 

 fore repeatedly cautioned them to do only as they and all of us 

 could also do and hold out. But neither reason nor a prudent 

 foresight of the prolonged hours which would be required in this 

 painful service could stay them. One after another of our com- 

 pany fell back. Ere we came within two miles of the tracks, 

 even Koojesse gave out. He was obliged to move with slow 

 steps from his overexertion. The sequel will show the wisdom 

 of my advice, which was finally acknowledged by all, even Sam. 

 I may as well state here that, after proceeding three miles from 

 the vessel, I saw, away in the distance, objects that appeared mov- 

 ing. I called attention to them. Then I first learned that a par- 

 ty of five had preceded us in this search. Though they had fif- 

 teen minutes' start of us, we were soon up with them. 



"When we came within a quarter of a mile of the land, the 

 tracks of poor Brown were found by Koojesse, who had seen the 

 same but a few hours before. The distance made from the ship 

 was full six geographic or sea miles in one hour and forty-two 

 minutes, the party arriving at the tracks at 10 10 A.M. Only 

 four out of the ten accomplished this, myself of the number that 

 did. I could not be in the rear, injudicious as I knew to be the 

 overexertion that we were making. 



