Boeken Overig Scandinavië & Ijsland|Across Greenland’s Ice-field

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1902. Not illustrated. Excerpt: … CHAPTER XVIII. THE ICE CLAIMS A VICTIM. AFTER the return of Gibson and Cook from the Inland Ice, life at Redcliffe went on most uneventfully for some weeks; in fact, almost the onlyvariation from the usual routine was that Matt’s frozen heel took an unfavourable turn, and kept him a prisoner for some days. Verhoeff gave unremitting attention to his scientific work, and seldom went very far from the house, but the doctor and Gibson made a ten days’ hunting excursion up the bay; luck, however, did not attend them, and, much to the disappointment of their companions, who were reduced to an unpalatable diet of seal-meat, they came back without any game whatever. Towards the middle of July a slight sensation occurred, for one morning Matt declared that he had overheard two of the Eskimos plotting to kill some one —he was not sure who was to be the victim, but (600) 14 thought it might be himself. He was considerablyalarmed, and promptly communicated his fears to Cook, who also thought seriously of the supposed plot. Mrs. Peary heard them talking, and insisted on knowing what was the matter, but much to the doctor’s annoyance, when she heard the tale, she burst out laughing, for so far the natives had been extremely gentle and friendly. Besides, she remembered that three of them had left Redcliffe on the previous day, which hardly looked as though they were hatching a dangerous plot against the whites, whom they certainly regarded as superior to themselves; and further, even supposing that they had any such design, and elected to discuss it close to the house, she very much doubted whether Matt understood their language sufficiently to form a correct opinion of anything he might chance to overhear. All things considered, she saw no special ground for alarm; but, see…

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