SEARCH FOR ESQUIMAUX. 
397 
effect of a grotto. There is one that brings back to 
' me saddened memories of Elephanta and the merry 
friends that bore me company under its rock-chiselled 
portico. The fig-trees and the palms, and the gallant 
major’s curries and his old India ale, are wanting in 
the picture. Sometimes again it is a canopy fringed 
with gems in the moonlight. Nothing can be purer or 
more beautiful. 
“The ice has begun to fasten on our brig: I have 
called a consultation of officers to determine how she 
may be best secured. 
“October 13, Friday.—The Esquimaux have not 
been near us, and it is a puzzle of some interest where 
they have retreated to. Wherever they are, there 
must be our hunting-grounds, for they certainly have 
not changed their quarters to a more destitute region. 
I have sent Morton and Hans to-day to track them out 
if they can. They carry a hand-sledge with them, 
Ohlsen’s last manufacture, ride with the dog-sledge as 
far as Anoatok, and leave the old dogs of our team 
there. From that point they are to try a device of my 
own. We have a couple of dogs that we got from 
these same Esquimaux, who are at least as instinctive 
as their former masters. One of thesp they are to let 
run, holding the other by a long leash. I feel confident 
that the free dog will find the camping-ground, and I 
think it probable the other will follow. I thought of 
tying the two together; but it would embarrass their 
movements, and give them something to occupy their 
minds besides the leading object of their mission. 
