LAST VOYAGE OF CAPT. ROSS. 
419 
the right of Capt. Ross to the character of the most mighty An- 
gekok, that had ever appeared amongst them. There were 
also, some circumstances connected with the profession of Mr. 
Mc'Diarmid, that tended in a great measure to convince the 
natives, that a person, who pretended to have the decision of life 
and death in his hands, must be also something of a superior 
being; for, in many instances, the natives had been cured of some 
triflit g maladies, and wounds by his skill; and, in the present 
case, when he had so distinctly stated, that the boy would live, 
in opposition to the general opinion amongst themselves, that 
his death was inevitable, such extraordinary knowledge, they 
thought could only proceed from some power, that was vested in 
him by some great spirit; and, therefore, it was an act of extreme 
folly in them, to give any offence to beings of such a stamp, on 
whose will, their very life and preservation perhaps depended. 
The present interposition of Kakeakenew, was not, however, 
overlooked by Commander Ross, for, as it was perfectly voluntary 
on her part, and proceeded from the very best of motives, he 
took a knife from his pocket, and presented it to her ; on which, 
her joy was so great, that it required all the strength of Com¬ 
mander Ross, to prevent him tasting the enjoyment of being 
koonig'd by the grateful woman, who tried every manoeuvre to 
bring her nose into affectionate contact with that of the bashful 
commander, but which was ultimately defeated by him, as he 
betook himself off to his sledge, whither the amorous lady did 
not think proper to pursue him. 
Reconciliation having been effected between all parties, chiefly 
through the instrumentality of Kakeakenew , the party set out 
upon their expedition, the Esquimaux being the guides, Com¬ 
mander Ross and his party bringing up the rear. 
During the absence of Commander Ross, the crew on board 
were employed in various ways; some preparing the different 
things that might be required for travelling, as the season was now 
at hand, when the country could be explored in every quarter. 
The carpenter was using every exertion to get the travelling boat 
completed ; whilst the engineer, being now absolved from all duty 
on the steam engine, except knocking to pieces those parts, which 
