Page:Narrative of the Discoveries on the North Coast of America.djvu/210

 and in the valleys, were now enjoying the brief season with that zest which perfect freedom alone can give. A few stars were visible tonight; the aurora also made its first appearance.

15th.—The wind fell, and at 5 we embarked. It was one of those glorious mornings whose enlivening power all nature acknowledges. A copious dew had fallen, the air breathed light and balmy, and the deer bounded across the plains. As we advanced, the mirage played some strange antics on the water, which it elevated on the north and west sides into the similitude of two highly inclined planes, garnished with innumerable icebergs, apparently ready to topple over upon us as we rowed through this mimic valley.

The high land of Herschel Island assumed distorted and varying shapes, and it was not till 5 in the afternoon that we reached the strait separating it from the main shore. After passing this channel, we encountered a rolling swell that much retarded our progress. A good many natives were seen as we coasted along, some of whom came alongside, welcomed us back from afar (awānk), inquired about the last camps of their countrymen we had seen, and were no less delighted than astonished when we read the names of some of them from our