400 
LAST VOYAGE OF CAPT. ROSS. 
and the sailors for the first time had a specimen of the pugilistic 
skill of the Esquimaux. It, however, did not consist in inflicting' 
any punishment on the face or body, by the visitation of the fists, 
but in the quantity of hair, which could be pulled from the head ; 
and severe indeed was the shaking, which the head of Alwak 
received from his more powerful and muscular antagonist. It 
became at last a question, whether any hair would have been 
left on the head of Alwak, if the sailors had not interfered, and 
put an end to the contest, by removing the assailant to another 
berth, where he could enjoy his repose, without the risk of re¬ 
ceiving any further annoyance. 
Whatever their animosity might have been during the period 
of the conflict, it appeared to have wholly subsided on the fol¬ 
lowing morning, as they sat at their breakfast of baked seal; and 
so little malice did Ooblooraiak seem to entertain towards his 
companion, who had so mischievously and viciously attempted 
to deprive him of his sleep, that with the greatest good nature, 
he offered him the choicest cuts from the joint, at the same time 
helping him to the greater half of the viands, that were smoking 
before them. Their repast being over, they were summoned 
into the cabin, where each of them received a file from Com¬ 
mander Ross ; and he took this opportunity of hinting to Alwak, 
that if he felt no objection to remain on board the Victory, as 
one of its inmates, and accompany him to his own country, he 
might then remain, and every thing should be done to render 
him comfortable and happy. 
This offer came so unexpectedly upon Alwak, that he scarcely 
knew what answer to give. There was something so superior 
in this young man, to any of the others, who had been taken on 
board the Victory, with the view of humanizing them, that even 
Capt. Ross imbibed a partiality for him, and Alwak ultimately 
agreed, that he should be allowed to take two seniks before he 
gave his decided answer; and taking a friendly leave of the 
officers and crew, he set off to join his tribe. 
There is, however, one passion prevalent in the world, which 
has created more mischief, defeated more plans, and been the 
cause of greater changes in every relation of life ; than all the 
