Page:Life with the Esquimaux - 1864 - Volume 1.djvu/191

CHAPTER IX.

Visit to Esquimaux Village—First Specimen of domestic Life among the Innuits—Female Tongues good Cleaners—The Angeko's Power—Mysteries of Innuit Worship—Choice of Wives—Curious Guide Poles to Travellers—Charley's Independence of Angeko—Ship beset in the Ice—Sudden Movements of the Ice—Frozen in—A Bear-hunt—Visit the Tupic of Ebierbing—Scarcity of Innuit Food and Fuel—The Esquimaux Lamp—Patience and Perseverance of an Innuit Hunter—An Igloo.

At this time I frequently paid visits to the Esquimaux village, and one trip I find recorded in my journal as follows:—

"October 30.—After dinner a boat was sent from the ship to obtain some fresh water at the head of the bay, and I availed myself of the opportunity to go on shore. Smith had charge of the boat, and in less than an hour we arrived at a beautiful little harbour, two and a half miles distant northwesterly from the vessel. Here there was a complete Esquimaux village, and all the inhabitants, men, women, children, and dogs, rushed out to meet us. Our crew consisted of five white men, and each of them soon engaged a native to carry water to the boat, while he himself sought amusement among the tents. Smith and I walked on for about an eighth of a mile to the lakelet where the water was obtained, and put the Esquimaux fairly to work. We then returned, and called at one of the tents. Smith, being first, intended to pass in, but had no sooner lifted the folding door (pendent skins) and introduced his head, than he rapidly withdrew it again, exclaiming, Whew! By thunder, I'm not going in there! It's crowded, and smells horribly. How it looms up!' He then turned away, but I, having more inducements to bear the infliction, determined to pass in.

"Bowing down almost to a horizontal position, in went head, shoulders, body, and all. The next second I found