They observed, however, that the natives, although much excited, did not seem to be so much surprised at the appearance of white men amongst them as those were whom they had first met with near the ship.

In a short time Meetuck, apparently, had expended all he had to say to his friends, and turned to make explanations to Bolton in a very excited tone; but little more could be made out than that what he said had some reference to white men.

At length, in desperation, he pointed to a large hut, which seemed to be the principal one of the village, and dragging the mate towards it, made signs to him to enter.
Bolton hesitated an instant.
"He wants you to see the chief of the tribe, no doubt," said Fred; "you'd better go in at once." A loud voice shouted something in the Esquimau language from within the hut.

At the sound Fred's heart beat violently, and pushing past the mate he crept through the tunnelled entrance and stood within.

There was little furniture in this rude dwelling.