FIRST VOYAGE OF CAFT. ROSS. 
89 
that there was much water there, and that they had come to 
fish for sea unicorns. 
During* the whole of this conversation, Capt. Ross had been 
employed with a good telescope in observing their motions, and 
he beheld the first man approach with every mark of fear and 
distrust, looking frequently behind to the other two, and beck¬ 
oning them to come on, as if for support; they occasionly re¬ 
treated, then advanced again with cautious steps in the attitude 
of listening, generally keeping one hand down by their knees, 
in readiness to pull out a knife which they had in their boots ; 
in the other hand they held their whip with the lash coiled 
up; their sledges remained at a little distance, the fourth 
man being apparently stationed to keep them in readiness for 
escape. Sometimes they drew back the covering they had on 
their heads, as if wishing to catch the most distant sounds ; at 
which time their features could be discerned, displaying extreme 
terror and amazement, while every limb appeared to tremble 
as they moved. Sacheuse was now directed to entice them 
to the ship, and two men were sent with a plank, which was 
placed across the chasm which separated them, they appeared 
still much alarmed, and requested that he only should come over, 
he accordingly passed to the opposite side, on which they earn¬ 
estly besought him not to touch them, as if he did they should 
certainly die. After he had used many arguments to persuade 
them that he was flesh and blood, the native who had shown the 
most courage, ventured to touch his hand, then pulling himself by 
the nose, set up a shout, in which he was joined by Sacheuse 
and the other three; the presents were then distributed, con¬ 
sisting of two or three articles of clothing, and a few strings of 
beads ; after which, Sacheuse exchanged a knife for one of theirs. 
The hope of obtaining some important information, as well as 
the interest naturally excited for these poor creatures, made Capt. 
Ross impatient to communicate with them himself, and he there¬ 
fore desired Lieut. Parry, to accompany him to the place where 
the party were assembled ; it appearing to Capt. Ross that Sac¬ 
heuse had failed in persuading them to come nearer the ships, they 
accordingly provided themselves with additional presents, con- 
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