But the numbers of the Esquimaux were so great that it became necessary to steadily retire.
There was danger that they would surround them.
This would bring the fight to close quarters, which would be fatal.
Thus the battle went on across the ice-field.
In the light of the Arctic day the two explorers were compelled to retreat slowly until they finally came to the mainland.
Here high cliffs were back of them.
A dense grove of Arctic firs was upon their summit.
Frank and Pomp here resolved to make a stand.
The Esquimaux charged up the cliffs, and Frank worked the repeating rifles while Pomp loaded.
The pluck of the Esquimaux was most surpassing.