e several of
these ocean elephants sporting about in the neighbourhood, and bursting
up the young ice that had formed on several holes, by using their huge
heads as battering-rams. It was quickly arranged that the party should
divide into three, and while a few remained behind to watch and restrain
the dogs the remainder were to advance on foot to the attack.

Saunders, Buzzby, Amos Parr, Davie Summers, and Awatok formed one party,
and advanced with two muskets and several spears towards the walrus that
had been first seen, the sailors taking care to keep in rear of Awatok
in order to follow his lead, for they were as yet ignorant of the proper
mode of attack.

Awatok led the party stealthily towards a hummock, behind which he
caused them to crouch until the walrus should dive. This it did in a
few minutes, and then they all rushed from their place of concealment
towards another hummock that lay about fifty yards from the hole. Just
as they reached it, and crouched, the walrus rose, snorting the brine
from its shaggy muzzle, and lashing the water into foam with its
flippers.

"Losh, what a big 'un!" exclaimed Saunders in amazement; and well he
might, for this was an unusually large animal, more like an elephant in
size than anything else.

It had two enormous ivory tusks, with which it tore and pounded large
fragments from the ice-tables, while it barked like a gigantic dog, and
rolled its heavy form about in sport.

Awatok now whispered to his comrades, and attempted to get them to
understand that they must follow him as fast as possible at the next
run. Suddenly the walrus dived. Awatok rushed forward, and in another
instant stood at the edge of the hole with his spear in readiness in his
right hand, and the coil of line in his left. The others joined him
instantly, and they had scarcely come up when the huge monster again
rose to the surface.

Saunders and Buzzby fired at his head the moment it appeared above
water, and Awatok at the same time planted a spear in his breast, and
ran back with the coil. The others danced about in an excited state,
throwing their spears and missing their mark, although it was a big one,
frequently.

"Give him a lance-thrust, Amos," cried Saunders, reloading his piece.

But Amos could not manage it, for the creature lashed about so furiously
that, although he made repeated attempts, he failed to do more than
prick its tough sides, and render it still more savage. Buzzby