this,
Ippegoo hurled it at the head of the drunken Eskimo. Never before did
the feeble youth make such a good shot. Full on the flat face of the
drunkard it went, like the wad of a siege-gun, scattering earth and
_debris_ all round--and down went the Eskimo. Unable to check himself,
down also went Rooney on the top of him.

Next moment the luckless Kajo was secured with a piece of walrus-line,
and flung on one side, while the indignant party held a noisy
consultation as to what was to be done with him.

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE.

THE ESKIMO ENCAMPMENT--A MURDER AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.

With Hans Egede, Red Rooney, and Angut as chief councillors, it may be
easily understood that the punishment awarded to Kajo was not severe.
He was merely condemned, in the meantime, to be taken to his own people
as a prisoner, and then let go free with a rebuke.

"But how are we to carry him there?" asked Egede. "He cannot walk, and
we must not delay."

"That's true," said Rooney; "and it will never do to burden the women's
boat with him. It is too full already."

"Did he not say that he had his kayak with him?" asked Angut.

"He did," cried Okiok, with the sudden animation of one who has
conceived an idea. "Run, Arbalik, Ippegoo, Ermigit, Norrak, and seek
for the kayak."

The youths named ran off to obey, with the alacrity of well-trained
children, and in half an hour returned in triumph with the kayak on
their shoulders. Meanwhile Kajo had recovered slightly, and was allowed
to sit up, though his hands were still bound.

"Now we'll try him. Launch the boat, boys," said Okiok, "and be ready
to paddle."

The young men did as they were bid, and Okiok, unloosening Kajo's bonds,
asked him if he could manage his kayak.

"O-of--c-course I can," replied the man, somewhat indignantly.

"Come, then, embark an' do it," returned Okiok, seizing his arm, and
giving it a squeeze to convince him that he was in the hands of a strong
man.

Kajo staggered towards his little vessel, and, lifting it with
difficulty, went down to the beach. He would certainly have fallen and
damaged it if Okiok had not stood on one side and Angut on the other to
prevent a fall. When the kayak was launched, he attempted to step into
the little oval opening in it, but with so little success that Okiok,
losing patience, lifted, him in, and crammed him down. Then he sent him
afloat with a vigorous push.

Feeling all right, with the familiar paddle i