ason was now plain. We pulled off the boot without
asking leave, and found there a large assortment of articles stolen from
us. Two or three knives, a spoon, a bit of hoop-iron, and a marline
spike. I have tried to make them understand, by signs, that this is
very wicked conduct, but they only laugh at me. They are not in the
least ashamed, and evidently regard stealing as no sin.

"We have shot a musk ox. There are many of these creatures in other
parts of the Arctic regions, but this is the first we have seen here.
He fell to my rifle, and is now being devoured by ourselves and our dogs
with great relish. He is about the size of a very small cow; has a
large head and enormously thick horns, which cover the whole top of his
head, bend down toward his cheeks, and then curve up and outward at the
point. He is covered with long, brown hair, which almost reaches the
ground, and has no tail worthy of the name. He seems to be an active
and an angry creature. When I wounded him he came at me furiously, but
had not pluck to charge home. As he turned away I gave him the shot
that killed him. The meat is not bad, but it smells strongly of musk.
Walrus is better.

"Myouk and his son Meetek and I have had a most exciting bear-hunt since
we returned. I followed these men one day, as I thought them bold,
active-looking fellows, who would be likely to show me good Eskimo
sport. And I was not disappointed.

"About two miles from the brig we came on fresh bear tracks. A glow of
the aurora gave us plenty of light. `What is yon round white lump?'
thought I. `A bear? No, it must be a snow-wreath!' Myouk did not
think so, for he ran behind a lump of ice, and became excited. He made
signs to me to remain there while he and his son should go and attack
the bear. They were armed each with a long lance. I must say, when I
remembered the size and strength of the polar bear, that I was surprised
to find these men bold enough to attack him with such arms. I had my
rifle, but determined not to use it except in case of necessity. I
wished to see how the natives were accustomed to act.

"They were soon ready. Gliding swiftly from one lump of ice to another,
they got near enough to make a rush. I was disobedient! I followed,
and when the rush was made I was not far behind them. The bear was a
very large one. It uttered an angry growl on seeing the men running
toward it, and rose on its hind legs to receive them. It sto