SHIPWRECKED ON YETORUP 
91 
ammunition, and, what proved a great blessing, all 
our books, chessmen, draughts, and cards. Boats, 
sails, and other tackle, were also got on shore, and 
most of our things put in the storehouse. Had 
means been available, the vessel could have been 
repaired without much trouble and got off, but, 
unfortunately, there were no suitable workmen or 
tools with which to do it. After we had taken up 
our quarters in the Ainu house, word was sent over 
to Furebetsu, on the other side of the island, where 
the Governor lived. 
The wind continued to blow from the north-west 
for the next three days, with snow-squalls at intervals, 
but we worked every day, getting our salved gear 
down to the storehouse. On December 10 the 
Governor arrived. He took down all particulars of 
the wreck, and I made a formal application in writing 
for assistance to get the vessel repaired if possible. 
He appeared quite willing to assist, and said there 
were a carpenter and blacksmith living in Furebetsu, 
who, though they knew very little of their business, 
would be placed at our service. After the Governor’s 
visit we received the second in command and 
the doctor; then the chief merchant of the island, 
whose headquarters were at Furebetsu, and another 
official. We entertained them right royally on our 
foreign stores and liquors, which they appreciated 
so highly that a big inroad was made upon them. 
All but the Governor drank like fishes. 
All the coolies on the island were in the employ 
of Mr. Ebeko, a merchant owning the principal 
fishing-stations on the island. He promised that 
sixty coolies would come across next day in order 
to pack our provisions and whatever else we required, 
