The day following that on which the wives of Simek and Okiok, and the mothers of Arbalik and Ippegoo with the spinster Sigokow arrived, the southern Eskimos resumed their route northward, and the pursuers continued their journey to the south—the former in their sledges over the still unmelted ice-foot along the shore; the latter, in kayaks, by a lead of open water, which extended as far as the eye could reach.
Angut, Okiok, and Simek led the way in kayaks, the kayak damaged by the seal having been repaired. The other men were forced to embark in the women’s boat. Eskimo men deem this an undignified position, and will not usually condescend to work in oomiaks, which are invariably paddled by the women, but Rooney, being influenced by no such feelings, quietly took the steering paddle, and ultimately shamed Arbalik and Ippegoo as well as the sons of Okiok into lending a hand.
During the first part of the voyage all went well, but next day the lead of open water was found to trend off the land, and run out into the pack, where numerous great glaciers were seen—some aground, others surging slowly southward with the Polar current.
“I don’t like the look of it,” remarked Angut, when the other leaders of the party ranged alongside of him for a brief consultation.
“Neither do I,” said Simek. “The season is far advanced, and if there should be a general break-up of the ice while we are out among the floes, we should be lost.”
“But it is impossible for us to travel by land,” said Okiok. “No man knows the land here. The sea runs so far in that we might spend many moons in going round the bays without advancing far on our journey.”
“So there is nothing left for us but to go on by water,” said Angut, with decision. “Nunaga must be rescued.”
“And so must Tumbler,” said Okiok.
“And so must Pussi,” said Simek.
“What are you fellows consulting about?” shouted Red Rooney, coming up at that moment with the others in the oomiak.