A few moments later, however, an episode occurred which somewhat changed their confident opinion.
The leader re-entered the hut with an ominous face.
He spoke a few words to his companions, who arose and departed silently.
Then he sat down by Jack and uttered a single word.
It sounded like “Kaoka.”
Jack looked puzzled.
The Esquimaux imitated the actions of a driver on a sled.
“He means the man we saw drowned,” suggested Hugo.
Jack made a motion as of ice opening and closing.
He then went through the pantomime of a man drowning.