KOODLOO CHARMING A SEAL. 



305 



way was clear, the day fine, and good prospects before us for get- 

 ting around to " Hall's Island" of Frobisher, to the extreme east- 

 ern limit of all that land toward the great sea. Therefore I urged 

 my companions on, though it was with some difficulty I could 

 persuade Koodloo to accompany us. He had been uncomfortable 

 from the moment we had trodden upon a portion of the " dreaded 

 land," and now that we are going round it by the " big waters," 

 which had carried off so many of his people, he was in a state of 

 great agitation. But I succeeded in persuading him to stay with 

 us, especially as I promised to return as soon as I had visited the 

 extreme land. 



As we opened out to the south, and arrived where we had ex- 

 pected to see the entrance of Frobisher Bay frozen solid like Field 

 Bay, which we had just left, my astonishment was great to see, at 

 a short distance from us, open water, with numerous icebergs drift- 

 ing, and a heavy sea rolling in, and beating on the edge of the floe. 



About noon we stopped to allow Koodloo to make up to a seal 

 that he was desirous of obtaining, and I was as deeply interested 

 as ever in the way in which he contrived to get so near to his in- 

 tended prey. While the seal would be taking its "cat-nap" (a sleep 

 of ten to fifteen seconds), Koodloo made his approach by hitches, 

 propelling himself along, recumbent on his side, by one foot, till 

 he got close up, say within twelve fathoms of it. During the seal's 

 watchful moments it seemed to be charmed by the peculiar talk, 

 and by the scratching noise made by the sealer. But the animal 

 proved too shy; the charm was broken, and down through its 

 hole in the ice it plunged ; and away we went again, our course 

 leading us close by the side of the expanse of open water, in and 

 upon which were numerous seals and ducks, giving evidence of 

 animal life here in abundance. The seals were frequently hunt- 

 ed ; and although it did not aid our progress, yet it served to re- 

 lieve the tedium, and give excitement to our journey. 

 I We now neared the land; and when within half a mile of 

 " Hall's smaller island" of Frobisher, I went on by myself, leav- 

 ing Ebierbing to occupy himself among the seals. 



On my walk I saw numerous bear-tracks, and such other evi- 

 dence around me that I could not help exclaiming, " This outcast 

 region is indeed one of plenty instead of barrenness I" 



In a few moments I was on the top of the highest elevation of 

 "Hall's smaller island," and from it took several compass bear- 

 ings as I viewed the scene around. But I was unable to stay 



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