At that moment they had been approaching a vast pile of conglomerated ice. Suddenly, from behind it, a number of strange-looking beings sprang forth.
They were gigantic in stature and dressed in skins, with the tusks of the seal for horns upon their head-dresses, which consisted of untanned seal hide, with holes for the eyes and mouth.
They were armed with huge battle clubs, with the bones of huge fish and huge rocks for heads, and javelins tipped with stone or fish bones.
At sight of the two men they came forward with a rush.
Brandishing their weapons and yelling, they rushed forward.
It was a critical moment.
It was a question of life or death, and there seemed but one move for the two men to make.
“Aim low!” cautioned Captain Hardy. “Take the first man!”
Then their rifles spoke.
Two of the barbarians fell.