b and proof of courage.

Certainly the singing combat has this advantage, that intellect triumphs
over mere brute force, and the physically weak may prove to be more than
a match for the strong.

But as this duel was postponed to the following day, for the very good
reason that a hearty supper and night of social enjoyment had first to
be disposed of, we will turn again to the players on the ice-floe.

"Come, Angut," said Rooney, descending from his throne or presidential
chair, and taking the arm of his host; "I'm getting cold sitting up
there. Let us have a walk together, and explain to me the meaning of
this challenge."

They went off in the direction of the sea-green cave, while Simek
organised a game of kick-ball.

"Okiok tells me," continued Rooney, "that there is to be no fighting or
bloodshed in the matter. How is that?"

Angut expounded, as we have already explained, and then asked--

"Have they no singing combats in your land?"

"Well, not exactly; at least not for the purpose of settling quarrels."

"How, then, are quarrels settled?"

"By law, sometimes, and often by sword--you would call it spear--and
pistol. A pistol is a thing that spouts fire and kills. Nations
occasionally settle their quarrels in the same way, and call it war."

Angut looked puzzled--as well he might!

"When two men quarrel, can killing do any good?" he asked.

"I fear not," answered the seaman, "for the mere gratification of
revenge is not good. But they do not always kill. They sometimes only
wound slightly, and then they say that honour is satisfied, and they
become friends."

"But--but," said the still puzzled Eskimo, "a wound cannot prove which
quarreller is right. Is it the one who wounds that is thought right?"

"No."

"Is it then the wounded one?"

"O no. It is neither. The fact is, the proving of who is right and who
is wrong has nothing to do with the matter. All they want is to prove
that they are both very brave. Often, when one is slightly wounded--no
matter which--they say they are satisfied."

"With what are they satisfied?"

"That's more than I can tell, Angut. But it is only a class of men
called _gentlemen_ who settle their quarrels thus. Common fellows like
me are supposed to have no honour worth fighting about!"

The Eskimo looked at his companion, supposing that he might be jesting,
but seeing that he was quite grave and earnest, he rejoined in an
undertone--

"Then my thought