Angut turned round, and cast a parting glance on sea and sky.
“If it holds on like this,” continued the sailor, “the ice will be firm enough to carry us to land in the morning.”
“It will not hold on like this,” said Angut. “The Innuit are very ignorant, but they know many things about the weather, for they are always watching it. To-morrow will be warm. We cannot escape. It will be safest and wisest to remain where we are.”
“Remaining means starving,” said the sailor in a desponding tone.
“It may be so; we cannot tell,” returned the Eskimo.
With these uncomfortable reflections, the two men entered the cavern quietly, so as not to disturb their comrades. Spreading their bearskins on the ice-floor, they laid heads on ice-pillows, and soon fell into that dreamless, restful slumber which is the usual accompaniment of youth, health, and vigour.