eemed to break on his mind as a revelation.

"Ho!" he thought, "here it comes; it comes at last! Ujarak told the
truth--I am becoming one of the wise men."

So delighted was the poor fellow with the idea, and with the strong hope
created thereby, that his blood began to course more rapidly and his
heart to beat high. Under the impulse, he gave vent to a yell that drew
a nod of gratified approval from his mother, and quite astonished those
who knew him best. Redoubling his twistings and drummings, he soon wore
himself out, and ere long fell down in a state of temporary exhaustion.

Having thus, according to instruction, worked himself up to the proper
pitch of enthusiasm, Ippegoo lay still and panted. Ujarak then, coming
forward, led him into Angut's hut, which was lighted as usual with
several cooking-lamps. The people flocked in after them till it was
nearly full; but spaces in the centre and upper end were kept
comparatively free. Near the lamp the Kablunet was seen seated,
observing the proceedings with much gravity; Okiok sat near him.

When all were seated, the wizard led his pupil into the centre space,
and, making him sit down, bent him forward until his head was between
his legs. He fastened it in that position, and then tied his hands
behind his back. All the lights were now extinguished, for no one is
allowed to witness the interview of the unfinished angekok with the
torngak, nor to move a finger for fear of disturbing him.

The room being now in the state which is described as darkness just
visible, Ippegoo began to sing a song, in which all joined. Presently
he took to groaning by way of variety; then he puffed and gasped, and in
a quavering voice entreated his torngak to come. Spirits, however, like
human creatures, are not always open to entreaty. At all events,
Ippegoo's torngak refused to appear.

In such circumstances it is usual for an aspirant to writhe about until
he brings on a sort of _fit_, during the continuance of which his soul
goes off to fetch the obstinate torngak. After a short time he returns
with him, laughing loudly for joy, while a rustling noise, resembling
the wings of birds as they swoop about the roof, is heard.

But Ippegoo was not a sufficiently wise man to get through this part of
the programme. True, he wrought himself into a wonderful state of
excitement, and then humbly lay down on his side to have a fit. But the
fit would not come. He tried his best to h