THE WORLD OF ICH. 195

arms and lees, and accompanied their uncouth and
violent gesticulations with loud, excited cries. “Tve
a notion,” he added, “that it was the scent o’ them
chaps set the dogs off after yon strange fashion t’other
night.”

It was evident that the Esquimaux were not only
filled with unbounded astonishment at this unexpected
meeting with strangers, but weve also greatly alarmed
to see one of their own women in their power.

“Let's send the woman over to them,” suggested
one of the men.

“No, no; keep her as a hostage,” said another.

“Look out, lads,” cried Buzzby, hastily examining
the priming of his musket, as additional numbers of
the wild inhabitants of the North appeared on the
scene, and erowned the ice-belt and the hummocks
around them. “Let's show a bold front. Draw up
in single line and hold on to the woman. West, put
her in front.”

The men instantly drew up in battle array, and
threw forward their muskets; but as there were only
a dozen of them, they presented a very insignificant
group compared with the crowds of HEsquimaux who
appeared on the ice in front of them.

“Now, then, stand fast, men, and Tl show ye wot’s
the way to manage them chaps. Keep yer weather-
eyes open, and don’t let them git in rear of ye.”

So saying, Buzzby took the woman by the arm and
led her out a few yards in front of his party, while
the Esquimaux drew closer together, to prepare cither