Mr. Barlow said he would go out and return when they had talked over the matter among themselves. He always felt great pity for these far-off outcasts of humanity. To kill another could only make matters worse. It was quite probable that even a blood feud would be started and more valuable lives be sacrificed. The struggle for existence was hard enough in any case, and if he suggested their taking the law into their own hands, there was no telling where it would end.
So it turned out that the matter was settled by simple word of mouth. That was absolutely sufficient for Kalleligak. If the avengers appointed by the tribe were satisfied, not only would the spirit of the murdered chief rest quietly, but the guilty one's life would be safe.
The agreement, duly drawn up by the agent, read as follows:—
"We will not kill you.
You are to pay—
Two white bears.
Twelve white foxes.
Three live dogs."
That was the value set on a really great man's life. It makes one wonder at what rate ours would be appraised in Eskimo land.