Tuesday, July 26. The “Kite” leaves to-day for Littleton Island, to be gone three or four days. When the professor left, at 2.30 A. M., Matt had not yet returned; I think he must have gone to the “Kite.”
Wednesday, July 27. Yesterday and to-day were bright, warm days, although the wind blew quite strong most of the time. Matt returned from the “Kite” yesterday morning, bringing with him a loaf of nice bread, a veal cutlet, and a flask of brandy sent by the steward of the “Kite.” Dr. Cook, with four Eskimos, came up in the “Mary Peary” this morning, bringing the rest of the mail matter with him. He also brought me more supplies, but at the same time urges me to return to Redcliffe with him.
Saturday, July 30. Once more back at Redcliffe. After considering the matter, I decided that Mr. Peary would wish me to look after things at our home, and although it was a great disappointment for me to leave before the return of the ice-party, I was forced to do it. There has been considerable excitement in our Eskimo settlement. Ikwa has beat Mané so badly that she cannot come out of her tent; her head is cut and bruised, and one eye is completely closed. We know of no reason for this peculiar conduct. Kyo has gone to Igloodahominy in his kayak, the first time during our visit that an Eskimo has ventured across the bay in a kayak. While he was out on a seal-hunt early this morning, Klayuh, his wife, and Tooky, her daughter, ran away. Kyo, it is said, had thrust a knife in Klayuh’s leg several times, and he has threatened to kill Tooky. He is now searching for the fugitives, but the whole settlement has conspired to throw him off the track. He has already been up to the head of the bay, and down as far as Cape Cleveland.
The “Kite” returned at nine o’clock yesterday evening, having penetrated into Smith Sound to a position opposite Force Bay, where it was stopped by the unbroken pack. Professor Heilprin came ashore immediately after, and introduced to me some of his companions. Dr. Cook, who had made a vain attempt to reach Ittiblu, returned at ten P. M. this evening; he found the gulf impassable owing to the large quantities of loose ice which had been detached from the glaciers, and literally choked the basin.
The “Kite” in McCormick Bay.
Thursday, August 4. I have lived through five days more of intense suspense. The Eskimos console me by talking of Mr. Peary as “sinnypoh” (dead); one of them yesterday told me that he had dreamt that only one “kabloona” (white man) would return from the ice. To offset these dark forebodings, and keep my spirits from sinking too low, I repeat a paragraph in Mr. Peary’s letter, which says: “I have no doubt I shall be with you about August 1st, but if there should be a little delay, it will be delay only, and not danger. I have a hundred days’ provisions.”
The weather continues exceptionally fine, clear, bright, and warm. Professor Heilprin, having determined to move his party to the head of the bay, preparatory to a search on the inland ice, the “Kite” heaved anchor at nine this morning, and is now lying opposite the point which I only recently deserted. By the professor’s kind invitation I joined the “Kite” party, and Matt, who has been my steady guardian since Mr. Peary’s departure, accompanies me.
Friday, August 5. The entire relief-party left to-day for Nunatak Cache, their object being to plant stakes seven miles apart as guide-posts on the inland ice. I remained on board the “Kite” all day, and shall retire early, if not to sleep, to rest.