This having been settled and agreed to, Okiok pushed on alone in advance, to prevent Rooney from showing himself too soon.
Arriving at his town residence, the Eskimo found his guest asleep, as usual, for the poor seaman found that alternate food and repose were the best means for the recovery of lost vigour.
Nuna was quietly cooking the seaman’s next meal, and Nunaga was mending one of his garments, when Okiok entered. Both held up a warning finger when he appeared.
“Where is Tumbler?” he asked softly, looking round.
“Gone to the hut of Pussimek to play with Pussi,” replied the wife; “we could not keep him quiet, so we—”
She stopped and looked solemn, for Rooney moved. The talking had roused him. Sitting up, he looked gravely first at Nunaga, then at her mother, then at her father, after which he smiled mildly and yawned.
“So you’ve got back, Okiok?”
“Yes, Ridroonee. And all the hunters are coming, with plenty to eat—great plenty!”
The women’s eyes seemed to sparkle at these words, but they said nothing.
“That’s a good job, old boy,” said the seaman, rising. “I think I’ll go out and meet them. It will be dark in a short time.”