A EELIC OF THREE CENTUEIES. 



429 



the stocks ; the ruins of three stone houses, one of which was 

 twelve feet in diameter, with palpable evidence of its having been 

 erected on a foundation of stone cemented together with lime and 

 sand ; and some chips of wood which I found on digging at the 

 base of the ship's trench. 



Upon this evidence, then — coupled with Esquimaux tradition, 

 as given to me by several persons apart from each other, and at 

 different times — I founded my opinions respecting Frobisher's ex- 

 pedition, as I have already stated them. 



It was night before we left the island, darkness alone ending 

 the search. We had to row back, the native crew pulling cheer- 

 fully as we bounded along. The lights of the tupics on Nioun- 

 telik were my beacon ahead, and above were the glorious stars in 

 all their beauty, while the silvery moon was rising from behind 

 the mountains of Tikkoon. The time seemed long since all had 

 appeared so fair to me as then ; and when we arrived at the tents, 

 I went to my rest truly thankful at having been permitted to ac- 

 complish what I had that day been enabled to do. 



The following morning, September 23d, I continued my re- 

 searches in this interesting sound, leaving Niountelik at 8 A.M. 

 There was a strong head wind, but my crew were good at the 

 oars, and away we went merrily toward the main land beyond 

 Kodlunarn. As we passed across the bay, my heart was greatly 

 elated at the thought of what I was then accomplishing. A glance 

 at the red, white, and blue cheered me onward in the work of 

 ripping up the mysteries of three centuries. That symbol was 

 my constant, cheering, helping companion night and day. 



In about an hour we arrived at the cape of land called Tikkoon, 

 and, upon landing, I proceeded to a small plain about a quarter 

 of a mile from the cape. The Innuits went on before me, I hav- 

 ing my compass and tripod in hand to take bearings. All at 

 once — to quote from my diary — 



" My attention was drawn to the extreme of the plain, facing 

 Kodlunarn, by the beach, where I saw Koo-ter-e-nier (Miner) call- 

 ing by shouts to the other Innuits and myself, holding up his 

 arms and hands. The Innuits started on a run, and so did I, for 

 I was sure something of interest had been found. Arriving at 

 the spot, what was before me ? A relic of three centuries ! Iron 

 — time-eaten, with ragged teeth ! 



u This iron, weighing from fifteen to twenty pounds, was on the 

 top of a granite rock, just within reach of high tide at full and 



