Page:Life with the Esquimaux - 1864 - Volume 1.djvu/147

126 was simply a steep ledge of rocks on one side, and on the other long stones set up on end. Within this were the bones and skull of the deceased man. At the head was a pile of rude stone covering the utensils that belonged to him when living. Through the openings I saw a powder-flask, a little tin tea-kettle suspended over a blubber lamp, the knives which he was wont to use, and other trifles, all placed in perfect order. Beside this pile were his seal, walrus, and whaling instruments. The grave was without cover, that he might freely roam over the mountains and freely traverse the seas to that world whither he had gone. The grave was situated on an eminence or bluff overlooking the bay, islands, and scenery far and near. As I stood by this grave the setting sun was crimsoning the whole heavens, picturing to my mind the glory that follows death to those who deserve it.

After-inquiries that I made enabled me to ascertain the name of the deceased, which I found to be one Al-lo-kee, a man celebrated in his day as a great hunter, persevering sealer, and daring whaler.

On Friday, August 24th, Koojesse made me an excellent chart of Nu-gum-mi-uke, Northumberland Inlet, Bear Sound, and lands adjacent—especially of the so-called Frobisher Strait. He signified his willingness to accompany me next season on my intended expedition, but declined to venture this year.

Trade to-day commenced with the natives for whalebone and walrus tusks. Several polar bear skins had already been bartered.

On Saturday, 25th of August (1860), had a very interesting, and, to me, important conversation with the intelligent Koojesse, Ugarng, and his wife Kunniu. The three of them were great travellers, both the former having been in the United States, and the latter was born at the "King's Cape" of Luke Fox, discovered by that navigator in 1631. She had been to the Meta Incognita of Frobisher, and all along the north coast of that land, which, by her account (as clearly explained to me), was connected with the opposite shores, thus making Frobisher "Strait" an inlet or bay. Koojesse and Ugarng had