Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1909-10-09

taking her to him as wife No. ..
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 \ snow squat
frosted the decks. and To escape the
icy air we sought our warm berths
early. At 4 o'clock in the morning
the gray gloom separated and the
warm sun poured forth 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
or ultramarine and alabaster, whales
spouted and walrus shouted. The
granpus was out early for a fight
Large focks Of little auks rushed over
on hurried missions.
Entering InsIefeld Gulf.
The wind was light, but the engines
pulled us along ut a pace just fast
enough 20 allow US 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 of Kanga the launch was low
cred and we sought TO interview the
Eskimos of Ittiblu. There were only
one woman. n few children and about
n score Of dogs ut 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 n leading Ques-
ton the news OF the tribe for n year.
After Gasping for breath like a 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 20 the
pleasure Of our company to the beach
An Eskimo Trade.
We had only gone n few steps before
it occurred TO her that she was in need
OF something. Would we not give her
few boxes Of matches I'm exchange
FOR narwhal tusk? We would be de-
lighted. said Mr.. Bradley. and a hand
ful OF sweets went with the bargain.
Her boy brought down two ivory
tusks. each eight feet I'm length. The
two were worth $50.
Had we a knife 10 spare? Yes, and
tin spoon was also given just 10
show that we were liberal.
The yacht was headed northward
across lngledeld gulf. It 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 a sicken.
ing thump.
The launch lowed the dory, OF which
Nance and her children were the only
occupants.
karnah was 90 he her future home.
and as we neared the shore we tried 10
locate lkwa. but there was not a man
in town. Five women. fifteen children
and forty-hve dogs came out TO meet
us. The men were on hunting cam
paign. and their location was not ex-
actiy known.
Attahtungwah, Manee's rival. a TAT.
unsociable creature, stood on a useful
stone. where we chose 20 laud and did
not accommodate us with footing on
the same platform.
A Thrifty Eskimo Camp.
There We're 1--WE sealskin tents pitch
ed among the powders of glacial
stream. An Immense quantity OF mar
whal meat was placed ON the rocks
and stones 90 dry. skins were stretch
ed on the grass, and general air OF
thrift was shown about the place.
Bundles OF scalskius, packages Of
pelts and much ivory were brought out
10 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
as Gid the others. Nance was kindly
treated by the other village folk. and. a
pot steaming with oily meat was soon
served in her honor. We were cor
daily invited to partake OF the feast.
but had a convenient excuse, just hav-
Ing finished a meal.
Would we not place ourselves at
ease and stay for a day or two, as their
husbands would soon return? We were
forced 10 decline their hospitality, for
without the harbor there was tor
much wind 90 keep the yacht waiting
Eskimos have no system Of saluta-
ton except a greeting smile or a part
Ing look OF regret. We got both at the
same time as we stepped into the
launch and shouted goodby.
Aboard. the captain was told to pro-
coed 10 Cape Robertson. The wind
eased. fog came over from the inland
Ice and blotted out the landscape down
70 about a thousand feet, but under
this the MIR was clear.