through slush and water, over sharp rocks, across streams, and through valleys. The sun was very hot, and all the travelers felt the change from the clear cold air of the inland ice to the heat of the coast region.
The dogs especially suffered from the heat, and this discomfort, together with their need of fresh meat, made some of them ill. Pau, the leader of the team, seemed very weak, and Peary feared that he would die. Pau was a very brave dog, who had killed many polar bears. He must have had some knowledge of magic; at any rate, he was an expert in slipping his harness. Whenever he wished to, he could slip out and away on a trip of his own in search of food. When the other dogs saw Pau free, they tried to break their harness and follow him, often with success.
One day Peary saw two black objects on the opposite side of a valley. At first he thought they were large rocks, but soon he became certain that they were musk-oxen. Peary patted poor Pau's head, as if to tell him that he was going to try to get food for him. Pau seemed to understand, for his eyes brightened and he wagged his tail.
Peary took his gun and started off in pursuit of the musk-oxen. At last he came very near them, but so much depended upon his success that he was seized with trembling. It required a tremendous effort to point the gun and pull the trigger. The enormous ox looked up curiously, and walked toward the man, as if to see what the trouble was. Peary then took aim, fired, and killed him. The other musk-ox tried to run away, but Peary shot him also.
Astrup and the dogs were frantic with delight. Peary patted each dog on the head when he returned, as if to assure him of the feast he was to have. Soon the great, shaggy musk-oxen were skinned and prepared for food, and a huge hind quarter was carried to the dogs.
