Page:Life with the Esquimaux - 1864 - Volume 1.djvu/267

246 incited all hearts with the hope we might be in time to save human life. It was only occasionally that we walked—we ran! I felt, Oh that we had wings, and could determine these anxious fears and doubts in a few moments, instead of waiting the hours that it will require to settle them! Koojesse and Sam, both great travellers, were for pressing on with all their immediate strength. I knew this would not do; that by this course they would not only sacrifice their own important services for a long search, which evidently it would be, but also those of all the other men. I therefore repeatedly cautioned them to do only as they and all of us could also do and hold out. But neither reason nor a prudent foresight of the prolonged hours which would be required in this painful service could stay them. One after another of our company fell back. Ere we came within two miles of the tracks, even Koojesse gave out. He was obliged to move with slow steps from his over-exertion. The sequel will show the wisdom of my advice, which was finally acknowledged by all, even Sam. I may as well state here that, after proceeding three miles from the vessel, I saw, away in the distance, objects that appeared moving. I called attention to them. Then I first learned that a party of five had preceded us in this search. Though they had fifteen minutes' start of us, we were soon up with them. "When we came within a quarter of a mile of the land, the tracks of poor Brown were found by Koojesse, who had seen the same but a few hours before. The distance made from the ship was full six geographic or sea miles in one hour and forty-two minutes, the party arriving at the tracks at 10·10 Only four out of the ten accomplished this, myself of the number that did. I could not be in the rear, injudicious as I knew to be the over-exertion that we were making. "Soon as we struck upon the almost obliterated footprints of the lost one, our movements were even quickened. Yet the tracks led, for more than a mile, in a direct course to the vessel, and but a few steps southward of our way up. I have