ARRIVAL ON BOARD. 



441 



And now I was full of excitement as we neared the place 

 where we expected to find the ship ; but darkness came over us 

 before we got across the bay, and I became very anxious for our 

 safety among the shoals, of which there were many about. Hap- 

 pily we escaped serious peril, and on reaching the point of land to 

 be rounded before entering the harbor, danger was lost in the gen- 

 eral excitement. We looked eagerly and often for a sight of the 

 ship. Presently a dark mass loomed up before us. A few more 

 strokes of the oars, and all doubt was removed. The George Hen- 

 ry was in sight ! 



As soon as the vessel was seen, my Innuit crew, unable to re- 

 press their joy, fired their guns and sent forth loud shouts and 

 cheers, in which I could not help joining, overjoyed to find the 

 ship not yet departed. The watch on deck was at first in doubt 

 what to make of the noise, but a second thought told him that I 

 had returned with my party, and, giving a shout in reply, he 

 rushed to inform Captain B of our approach. 



In a few minutes more I was alongside, and saw the captain, 

 with all hands, ready to greet me. Quickly I ascended the ship's 

 side, and was receiving the captain's warm grasp and the hearty 

 welcome of all around me. I found that every one on board and 

 most of the Innuits around had given us up, concluding that we 

 were lost. It was supposed that our boat could never stand the 

 trip for so long a time, so that when we returned in safety it was 

 almost as if the dead had come to life. A hot supper was at once 

 prepared for the whole party of us, and, meanwhile, numerous 

 questions and answers passed. My first question was, "How 

 many whales secured?" and I was surprised to receive the reply, 

 " Not one." 



Until near midnight Captain B and myself prolonged our 



talk in the little after-cabin, and then, when I did retire, it was 

 impossible to sleep, owing to the great change from the free, cool 

 air of the tupics to that of the stove-heated ship. Fifty days and 

 forty-nine nights I had been without any fire to warm me save 

 that which burns within the human system. For many days be- 

 fore getting back to the ship the mountain streams had been fast 

 bound in chains of ice, yet, as a general rule, and excepting the 

 time during my recent sickness, I had always slept well. Now, 

 however, I could not sleep, and was restless and disturbed through 

 the whole night. 



