172 THE WORLD OF ICE.

 

ab least as much of it as could not be
packed on the sledge—was buried in the hut, and a
spear planted above it to mark the spot.

the walrus

“Ha! an’ it’s cowld,” said O'Riley, wrapping him-
self more closely in his fur jumper as they sped along.
“T wish we wos out o’ the wind, I do.”

“You'll have your wish soon, then,” answered West,
“for that row of icebergs we're coming to will shelter
us nearly all the way to the land.”

“Surely you are taking us too much off to the
right, Meetuck,” said Fred; “we are gettine farther
away from the ship.”

“No fee. De win’ too ‘trong. We turn hup ‘long
shore very quick, soon——ha !”

Meetuck accompanied each word with a violent nod
of his head, at the same time opening and shutting his
mouth and winking with both eyes, being apparently
impressed with the conviction that such contortions of
visage rendered his meaning more apparent.

“Look! look! ho! Nannook, nannook !” (a bear, a
bear!) whispered the Esquimau with sudden anima-
tion, just as they gained the lee of the first iceberg.

The words were unnecessary, however, for the whole
party were looking ahead with the most intense cager-
ness at a bear which their sudden advent had aroused
from a nap in the crevice of the iceberg. A little eub
was discerned a moment after standing by her side,
and gazing at the intruders with infantine astonish-
ment. While the muskets were being loosened and
drawn out, Meetuck let slip all the dogs, and in a few