420 



AKCTIC KESEAKCH EXPEDITION. 



the head of Frobisher Bay, and on my way thither and back — I 

 was completely at the mercy of Koojesse and his companions. 

 He especially would do just as he pleased ; and if I attempted to 

 show opposition or express a determination to do as /might wish, 

 ominous looks and sharp words met me. Several times I felt 

 obliged to submit, for I knew my life was wholly in their hands. 



When Koojesse, who steered the boat, was directing our course 

 away from the Kingaite side, and when I requested him to re- 

 main where I wished to make an examination, he curtly and even 

 savagely replied, " You stop ; I go." I was forced to smother my 

 anger, and submit to the mortification of being obliged to yield 

 before these untamed children of the icy North. Eeflection has, 

 however, convinced me that I can hardly blame them, as I then 

 felt inclined. They are born free as their native wilds ; they have 

 no one to control or check them ; they roam about as they will ; 

 and, while they have to find subsistence as best they can, it would 

 be almost too much to expect any subservience from them to a 

 stranger, especially when he is alone. They are in so many points 

 naturally noble in their character, and I received so much kind- 

 ness at their hands, that it would be unjust to make their obsti- 

 nate self-will, when on excursions with me, a cause of great com- 

 plaint. I mention the matter, however, to show that I was unable 

 to accomplish as much as I wished, owing to this very cause. 



