The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-10-02


Eskimo law of the survival OF the 1T
test. the first because OF insufficient
senses and the second because it was
under three and still on its mothers
back when the father passed away.
They were not to participate In the
strife of life. But an unusual neither
loved them.
A few days before the previous win
ter the old father, anxious to provide
warm bearskins for the prolonged
night, had ventured alone far up into
the mountains: His gun went off acci-
dentally, and he never returned.
The executor Of the brother of Ma
nee's former husband was kind to
her for the long night and kept fam
inc from her door. In the summer
day she had been able to keep herself,
but who could provide for her for
the night to come? Her only resource
was to seek the chilled heart Of her
former husband. and we were per-
forming the unpleasant mission of
taking her to him as wife Ne. 2.
When we later saw Ikwa he did not
thank us for the trouble we had taken,
but we had expected no reward.
The speed of the yacht increased as
the night advanced. A snow squall
frosted the decks, and to escape the
icy air we sought our warm berths
early. At o'clock in the morning
the gray gloom separated and the
warm sun poured forth a suitable
wealth of August rays.
At this time we passed the ice bat
tered and storm swept cliff Of Cape
Parry. Beyond was Whale sound. On
a sea Of gold, strewn with ice Islands
of ultramarine and alabaster, whales
spouted and walrus shouted. The
grampus was out early for fight.
Large focks Of little auks rushed over
on hurried missions.
Entering LngIefieId Gulf.
The wind was light. but the engines
pulled US along at a pace just fast
enough to allow as to enjoy the superb
surroundings In the afternoon We
were well into Inglefield gulf, and near
Ittiblu there was a strong head wind
and enough ice about to engage the
eye of the lookout
We aimed here to secure Eskimo
guides and with them seek caribou In
Olrick's bay. While the yacht was
lacking for a favorable berth In the
drift off Kanga the launch was low
cred and we sought to interview the
Eskimos of Ittiblu. There were only
one woman, q few children and about
q score of dogs at the place. The wo-
man talked quickly and explained at
some length that her husband and
others were away on a caribou hunt,
and she told us without leading ques-
ton the news Of the tribe for year.
After gasping for breath like smoth-
cred seal, she began with news Of pre-
vious years and a history Of the for
gotten ages. We started back for the
launch, and she invited herself to the
pleasure of our company to the beach.
An Eskimo Trade.
We had only gone few steps before
it occurred to her that she was In need
Of something. Would we not give her
a few boxes Of matches In exchange
for a narwhal tusk? We would be de-
lighted, said Mr.. Bradley, and a hand
full OF sweets went with the bargain.
Her boy brought down two ivory
two were worth $3.50.
Had we a knife to spare? Yes, and
q tin spoon was also given just to
show that we were liberal.
The yacht was headed northward
across Inglefleld gulf. 1t is necessary
for deep sea craft to give Karnah a
wide berth. There were bergs enough
about to hold the water down, though
an occasional sea rose with q sicken-
ing thump.
The launch towed the dory, Of which
Nance and her children were the only
occupants.
Karnah was to be her future home.
and as we neared the shore we tried to
locate Ikwa, but there was not a man
in town. Five women. fifteen children
and forty-f1ve dogs came out to meet
us. The men were on hunting cam
paign, and their location was not ex-
actly known.
unsociable creature, stood on q useful
stone. where we chose to land. and did
not accommodate us with footing on
the same platform.
A Thrifty Eskimo Camp.
There were five sealskin tents pitch
ed among the powders of a glacial
stream. An immense quantity of mar
whal meat. was placed on the rocks
and stones to dry. Skins were stretch
ed on the grass, and a general air of
thrift was shown about the place.
Bundles of sealskins, packages of
pelts and much ivory were brought out
to trade and establish friendly inter-
course. We gave them sugar, tobacco
and ammunition in quantities to suit
their own estimate of value.
The fat woman entered her tent, and
we saw no more of her during our
stay, for she did not venture to trade