In boots and caps of the coarse gray seal-skin, with guns or clubs and knives in their hands, they had a wild and murderous aspect as they marched forward in little bands.

The gait, the very figure, of each man seemed changed; the slouch of idleness had given place to the keen manner of the hunter.

On shore the sheds, which all winter had been empty and lonely, surrounded only by curling drifts, had become the scene of most vigorous work.

The women, with snow-shovels and brooms, were clearing away the snow around them, opening the doors, lighting fires in the small stoves inside, opening bags and hampers which contained provision of food and implements for skinning the seals.
The task that these women were performing was one for the strength of men; but as they worked now their merriment was loud.

All their children stood about them, shouting at play or at such work as was allotted to them.