THE WORLD OF ICH. 205

being found out, or at the ingratitude of his people,
they could not decide.

“Tell them,” said the captain, “that I am much
displeased. If they promise to return the stolen goods
immediately, I will pass over their offence this time,
and we will trade together, and live like brothers, and
do each other good; but if not, and if any more
articles are taken, I will punish them.”

Having had this translated to them, the chiefs were
dismissed, but the expression of indifference on some
of their faces proved that no impression had been
made upon them.

In a quarter of an hour the articles that had been
mentioned as missing were returned; and in order to
restore harmony, several plugs of tobacco and a few
additional trinkets were returned by the messenger.
Soon after, the dogs were harnessed, the sledges
packed, and, with many protestations of good-will on
both sides, the parties separated. A few cracks of
their long whips, a few answering howls from the
dogs, and the Esquimaux were off and out of sight,
leaving the Dolphin in her former solitude under the
shadow of the frowning cliffs.

“Fetch me the telescope, Mivins,” said the captain,
calling down the hatchway.

“ Ay, ay, sir,

“Where's my hatchet?” eried Peter Grim, striding

2

answered the steward.

about the deck and looking into every corner in search
of his missing implement. “It’s my best one, and I
ean’t get on without it, nohow.”