LAST VOYAGE OF CAPT. ROSS, 
289 
ing was fast approaching ; was the acquisition of a dozen of 
fish-hooks to be regarded as a trifle, when perhaps fifty times the 
value of a basin of horn might be obtained, and their stow-holes 
filled with fish as an absolute safeguard from all future want? 
And then, were there not a dozen seal’s skins lying uselessly in 
a corner of the hut for the want of the materials and instruments 
to convert them into clothing for the ensuing winter ? and now 
that the said materials and instruments had been obtained by 
the address and activity of the affectionate spouse of Oobloo- 
raiak, was it to be visited upon her as a crime, and punishment 
to be inflicted upon her, a-s if she had committed an act which 
compromised the character or happiness of her husband and 
family? These were arguments, which Ooblooraiak himself 
could not controvert, he looked at the hooks, and in imagination 
he saw the number of salmon dragged by them from their native 
element into his stow-hole; he looked at the needles, and 
Ulunena declared that she should now be able to manufacture 
for him one of the best suits of clothing, that had ever hung on 
his back, since they had become man and wife; he laid down the 
vengeful knife on the snow, his nose and that of “his beloved 
bitch” were heartily rubbed against each other, and Tiggeetaguo 
arriving at that opportune moment with a fine seal, the throat 
was cut, and catching the ruby liquor in the palms of their 
hands, for want of a horn basin, they drank oblivion to the 
past, and permanent concord for the future. 
Whilst these eventful circumstances were passing in the 
village of the Esquimaux, no great difference was observable in 
the daily occupations of the Kabloonas on board the Victory. 
Their life was a dull, uniform state of monotony, with very little 
to enliven it, and that little dealt out with a sparing and nig¬ 
gardly hand. It is not to be wondered at if ill humour and dis¬ 
content now and then exhibited themselves, especially as it was 
well known that Capt. Ross and Commander Ross in many points 
were unfriendly towards each other, and that their views and aims, 
their opinions and plans did not in the least harmonize together. 
As the active efficient officer, the weight of the expedition was 
upon the shoulders of Commander Ross; the responsibility of 
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