THE DESERTION. 
75 
self for the emergency, and punished him on the spot. 
As he rose with some difficulty, I detailed from the log¬ 
book the offences he had committed, and adduced the 
proofs. 
“The short-handed condition of the brig made me 
unable to confine him; therefore I deemed it best to 
remove his handcuffs, to accept his protestations of 
relorm, and put him again to work. He accepted my 
lenity with abundant thanks, went to duty, and in less 
than an hour deserted. I was hunting at the time, but 
the watch reported his having first been discovered on 
the ice-foot, and out of presenting-distance. His in¬ 
tention undoubtedly is to reach Etali Bay, and, robbing 
Hans of sledge and dogs, proceed south to Netlik. 
“ Should he succeed, the result will be a heavy loss 
to us. The dogs are indispensable in the hunt and in 
transporting us to Anoatok. The step however is not 
likely to be successful. At all events, he is off, and I 
regret that duty prevents my rejoicing at his departure, 
John remains with us, closely watched, but apparently 
sincere in his protestations of absolute reform.” 
SEAL-SKIN CUP. 
