42 
BREWING-A RESPITE 
the bones, that should naturally attend the eruption 
which covers my body. But I have none of the more 
fearful signs. I can walk with energy after I get 
warmed up, I have no bleeding of the gums, and, 
better than all, thank God, I am without that horrible 
despondency which the disease nourishes and feeds 
01 . I sleep sound and dream pleasantly,—generally 
about successes in the hunt, or a double ration of rein¬ 
deer or ptarmigan. 
“It has been a true warm southeaster. The 
housing-sails have been blown off by the storm, and 
we are buried up in a snow-drift. But one such 
feathery quilt is worth all the canvas covering in 
the world. 
“My brewing apparatus has worked well, thanks to 
stove and storm; and I have on hand now as unsavory 
a dose of flax-seed and quinine as was ever honored by 
the name of beer. 
“February 10, Saturday. — Three days’ respite! 
Petersen and myself have made a fruitless hunt; but 
Hans comes in with three rabbits. Distribution :—the 
blood to Ohlsen and Thomas; and to the other eight 
of the sick men full rations; consuming a rabbit and a 
half. I cannot risk the depression that a single death 
would bring upon the whole party, and have to deal 
unfairly with those who can still keep about, to save 
the rest from sinking. Brooks and Ohlsen are in a 
precarious condition : they have lost the entire mucous 
membrane of the alveoli; and Mr. Wilson requires 
special attendance every hour to carry him through. 
