"Tigishu-conitu," I said. (The Pole is near.)
"Sinipa tedliman dossa-ooahtonie tomongma ah youngulok tigilay toy hoy." (At the end of five sleeps it is finished, beyond all is well, we return thereafter quickly.)
"Seko shudi iokpok. Sounah ha-ah!" they replied. (On ice always is not good. The bones ache.)
Then I said, "The ice is flat, the snow is good, the sky is clear, the Great Spirit is with us, the Pole is near!"
Ah-we-lah dully nodded his head. I noticed, however, he wiped his eyes.
"Ka-bishuckto-emongwah" (Come walk a little further), I went on. "Accou ooahtoni-ahningahna-matluk-tigilay-Inut-noona." (Beyond to-morrow within two moons we return to Eskimo lands.)
"K i s a h iglucto-tima-attahta-annona-neuliasing-wah," said Ah-we-lah. (At last, then it is to laugh! There we will meet father and mother and little wives!)
"Ashuka-alningahna-matluk," I returned. (Yes, in two moons there will be water and meat and all in plenty.)
E-tuk-i-shook gazed at me intently. His eyes brightened.
As I spoke my own spirits rose to the final effort, my lassitude gave way to a new enthusiasm. I felt the fire kindling for many years aglow within me. The goal was near; there remained but one step to the apex of my ambition. I spoke hurriedly. The two sat up and listened. Slowly they became inspired with my intoxication. Never did I speak so vehemently.