Page:Life with the Esquimaux - 1864 - Volume 1.djvu/301

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LIVE WITH THE ESQUIMAUX.

Resolution Island and Meta Incognita were also in sight (the former visible on the horizon, probably by refraction); and at my back the bold mountains seemed all but touching me, though some miles distant.

On the top of the mountain I found many small pieces of lime-stone, and, while collecting some of them, Annawa and two other Innuits joined me. They had come for the purpose of looking out to see if any seals or walrus were near; and when, through my glass, I discovered one, they were off immediately. Soon afterward I perceived them on the ice prepared for the hunt.

After staying on the summit nearly an hour, I descended, and found a substantial Innuit breakfast of walrus-meat and soup ready for me. This breakfast had been prepared by Oonga, wife of Esheeloo, both of whom shared Annawa's igloo. This igloo of Annawa's was adorned on the exterior with a score of walrus skulls and tusks. The family had lived here, as I have already mentioned, for some time alone, but latterly their privacy had been much invaded by some of the ship's company, and by several Innuits from the North Star and upper villages. Among these latter I recognized Miner, with his wife Tweroong, and Artarkparu, brother of Annawa. There was also Puto, the mother of that Anglo-Saxon child before referred to; and Paulooyer (Blind George), whom I noticed facing the sun, as was his way when it shines. He immediately recognized my voice, and gladly greeted me when I hailed him. These, and many more, were domiciled in some half dozen igloos built near Annawa's; but there was also another village, called Twer-puk-ju-a, where several Innuits resided, and to this, after breakfast, I bent my way, taking Koojesse with me.

Before starting, I delivered everything I had, as was customary with the Innuits, into the hands of Nood-le-yong for safe keeping. We then started about nine o'clock, taking a course over the hilly centre of the island. Arriving at the top, I heard a sound filling the air as if something was sweeping by. It was like the rush of many waters, or the