Lifting out the big stone, which had formed a counterpoise to his weight, he flung it on the beach.
“We will change places now, Adolay,” he said, “you have guided our canoe when on the inland waters; it is now my turn to steer, for I understand the sea of ice. Get in, we will start.”
When Magadar and his comrades arrived at the mouth of the Greygoose River and beheld the aspect of the sea, a cry of mingled surprise and disappointment escaped them, but when they had landed and discovered the canoe of the fugitives far away like a speck among the ice-floes, the cry was transmuted into a howl of rage.
“Quick! embark! Let us after them!” shouted Magadar.
“Death to them both!” yelled Alizay.
For a few minutes the Indians followed the lanes of open water, till their turnings began to appear somewhat complicated; then the warlike spirit became a little subdued. Presently one of the Indians discovered—or thought he discovered—that the lead of water was narrowing, and that the ice was closing in.
Promptly both canoes were put about, and the shore was regained with amazing speed.
After that the Dogribs paddled quietly up the Greygoose River, and meekly returned to their woodland home.