434: 



ARCTIC RESEARCH EXPEDITION. 



appeared when opened in the presence of many persons here aft- 

 er my return. 



Night was now fast approaching, and I could stay no longer. 

 The Innuits had descended to the boat before I could tear my- 

 self away from the interesting spot ; and long after we left, and 

 while we were running rapidly out of the bay under a favoring 

 breeze, did I keep my gaze fixed and my thoughts centred upon 

 it. 



Our course back was directly across Countess of Warwick's 

 Sound to Niountelik. The wind was strong and in our favor, so 

 that we made rapid progress, and in good time reached the island. 

 But the surf was too high for landing on the weather-side. Ac- 

 cordingly, we went round into the same bight where I landed on 

 the memorable day of my first discovering the coal here. 



It was dark when we arrived, and there was much difficulty in 

 getting every thing up the abrupt bank flanking the place of land- 

 ing. My own labor was severe, especially in my then weak state. 

 Many were the struggles I made to carry up safely the chronom- 

 eter and other important articles. Two hours were occupied in 

 doing this, and in getting up the boat above high water ; but at 

 length all was accomplished, and we arrived at the tupics at a late 

 hour, wearied beyond measure with our exertions. 



This time no hot coffee or tea awaited me, as heretofore, when 

 Suzhi attended to the matter. My supper was ice-water and mo- 

 lasses, with bread soaked in it, and some dried venison — a poor 

 diet to a cold and enfeebled system. 



