MYOTTK ON BOARD. 
65 
cone-ball on the harpooned animal before he made good 
his retreat. 
“I have not time to detail Hans’s adventurous hunt, 
equally important to the scurvied sick of Rensselaer 
and the starving residents of Etah Bay. Metek (the 
eider-duck) speared a medium-sized Avalrus, and Hans 
gave him no less than five Marston balls before he 
gave up his struggles. The beast was carried back in 
triumph, and all hands fed as if they could never know 
famine again. It was a regular feast, and the kablunah 
interest was exalted to the skies. 
“ Miserable, yet happy wretches, without one thought 
for the future, fighting against care when it comes un¬ 
bidden, and enjoying to the full their scanty measure 
of present good! As a beast, the Esquimaux is a most 
sensible beast, worth a thousand Calibans, and certainly 
ahead of his cousin the Polar bear, from whom he 
borrows his pantaloons. 
“I had directed Hans to endeavor to engage Myouk, 
if he could, to assist him in hunting. A most timely 
thought: for the morning’s work made them receive 
the invitation as a great favor. Hans got his share of 
the meat, and returned to the brig accompanied by the 
boy, who is now under my care on board. This imp— 
for he is full of the devil—has always had a relishing 
fancy for the kicks and cuffs with which I recall the 
forks and teaspoons when they get astray; and, to tell 
the truth, he always takes care to earn them. He is 
very happy, but so wasted by hunger that the work of 
fattening him will be a costly one. Poor little fellow! 
Vol. II.— 5 
