THE WORLD OF ICE. 257

turned out to be composed of stones heaped upon each
other; but as all the conversation of which he was
capable failed to enlighten his companions as to what
the pile was, they instantly set to work to open a
passage into the interior, believing that it might con-
tain fresh provisions, as the Esquimaux were in the
habit of thus preserving their superabundant food
from bears and wolves. In half-an-hour a hole, large
enough for a man to creep through, was formed, and
Fred entered, but started back with an exclamation
of horror on finding himself in the presence of a
human skeleton, which was seated on the ground in
the centre of this strange tomb, with its head and
arms resting on the knees.

“Tt must be an Esquimau grave,” said Fred, as
he retreated hastily ; “that must be the reason why
Meetuck tried to hinder us.”

“T should like to see it,’ said Grim, stooping and
thrusting his head and shoulders into the hole.

“What have you got there?” asked Bolton, as
Grim drew back and held up something in his hand.

“Don't know exactly. It’s like a bit o’ cloth.”
On examination the article was found to be a shred
of coarse cloth, of a blue or black colour; and being
an unexpected substance to meet with in such a place,
Bolton turned round with it to Meetuck in the hope
of obtaining some information. But Mecetuck was
gone. While the sailors were breaking into the grave,
Meetuck had stood aloof with a displeased expression

of countenance, as if he were angry at the rude dese-
17