The expansion of his
nostrils and glitter of his eyes, however, told their tale, though no
exclamation passed his lips.

Once or twice, when Rooney attempted to explain the use of the
instrument, the inquisitive man was almost irresistibly led to put some
leading questions as to the nature of Time; but whenever he observed
this tendency, the sailor, thinking that he had given him quite enough
of philosophy for one evening, adroitly turned him off the scent by
drawing particular attention to some other portion of the timepiece.

The watch and the knife, to which they reverted later on, kept the
lecturer and audience going till late in the evening, by which time our
sailor had completely won the hearts of the Eskimos, and they had all
become again so hungry that Okiok gave a hint to his wife to stir up the
lamp and prepare supper. Then, with a sigh of relief, they all allowed
their strained minds to relax, and the conversation took a more general
turn. It is but fair to add that, as the sailor had won the hearts of
the natives, so his heart had been effectually enthralled by them. For
Angut, in particular, Rooney felt that powerful attraction which is the
result of similar tastes, mutual sympathies, and diversity of character.
Rooney had a strong tendency to explain and teach; Angut a stronger
tendency to listen and learn. The former was impulsive and hasty; the
latter meditative and patient. Rooney was humorously disposed and
jovial, while his Eskimo friend, though by no means devoid of humour,
was naturally grave and sedate. Thus their dispositions formed a
pleasing contrast, and their tastes an agreeable harmony.

"What did you say was the name of your country?" asked Angut, during a
brief pause in the consumption of the meal.

"England," said Rooney.

"That was not the name you told me before."

"True; I suppose I said Ireland before, but the fact is, I can scarcely
claim it as my own, for you see my father was Irish and my mother was
Scotch. I was born in Wales, an' I've lived a good bit o' my life in
England. So you see I can't claim to be anything in particular."

As this was utterly incomprehensible to the Eskimo, he resumed his bit
of blubber without saying a word. After a brief silence, he looked at
the Kablunet again, and said--

"Have they houses in your land?"

"Houses? O yes; plenty of 'em--made of stone."

"Like the summer-houses of the Innuit, I suppose?" said Angut. "Are
they as b