And near the water’s edge were a number of huts made of brush and bark. This was the manner of habitation used by the Esquimaux of this region in lieu of ice.
Perhaps there were a hundred or more of these huts.
A vast throng of Esquimaux came out to meet them.
The prisoner was surrounded by a howling mob. Some of them seemed disposed to do him harm.
But the leader of the band kept them back in his persuasive way, by swinging his battle-club about him.
The prisoner was led down into the Esquimau settlement. His arms and legs were bound with thongs, and he was unceremoniously tumbled upon the ground.
As he lay in the midst of his foes thus, the professor fell to wondering if his whistle of alarm had been heard at the airship.
If it had there was good reason to believe that he might expect help and perhaps rescue.
But as time passed and his friends did not appear he began to give up hope.
His position was becoming unendurable, when suddenly the Esquimau chief appeared and gave some orders to his men.