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He had not advanced far when Kajo, feeling uncomfortable, tried slightly to alter his position, whereupon Okiok took up a spear that lay handy, and gave him a slight prick by way of reminding him of his duty. The rest of the voyage was accomplished in peace and safety. In the evening the party arrived at the temporary abode of the tribe to which Kajo belonged.
A peculiar tinge of pallor overspread his face at that moment. "What's wrong, Ippegoo?" "I I feel f-funny." "Never mind that," said Kajo. "It's always the way at first. When I first tried it I "
Then he went up to Kajo, who had been watching his movements with much curiosity, not quite unmingled with discomfort. "Go," he said, pointing to the kayak, "and lay yourself out in front, on your face." Kajo looked earnestly at the speaker. There was much less of the heroic in his gaze by that time, and therefore more of manly determination; but Okiok said "go" again. And Kajo went.
"Come with me," said the missionary, taking the poor man by the arm, leading him aside to some distance, and evidently entering into serious remonstrance while Kajo, as evidently, commenced energetic protestations.
Meanwhile Kajo had recovered slightly, and was allowed to sit up, though his hands were still bound. "Now we'll try him. Launch the boat, boys," said Okiok, "and be ready to paddle." The young men did as they were bid, and Okiok, unloosening Kajo's bonds, asked him if he could manage his kayak. "O-of c-course I can," replied the man, somewhat indignantly.
Feeling all right, with the familiar paddle in his hands, Kajo tried to rouse himself, bethought him of flight, gave a hiccoughing cheer, and went skimming away like a sword-fish. "After him now, boys, and keep alongside," cried Okiok.
Seeing his condition, Arbalik sprang towards him, but, stooping quickly, Kajo darted out of his way. At the same moment he snatched up a knife that had been left lying on the ground.
Great was their surprise when they found that their comrade Kajo had been brought home as a prisoner; and still greater was their surprise when they found that a bottle of rum which had been stolen from one of their hunters, and carried off the day before, was found on the person of Kajo for Kajo had been, like Mangek, a respectable man up to that date, and no one believed it possible that he would condescend to steal.
"You rascal!" said Rooney to Kajo, on recovering his gravity; "you have learned to drink, and you have learned to smoke, and, not satisfied with that extent of depravity, you try to teach Ippegoo. You pitiful creature! Are you not ashamed of yourself?" Kajo looked sheepish, and admitted that he had some sensations of that sort, but wasn't sure.
One of those who was himself under the influence of rum at the time looked sternly at Kajo, and began to abuse him as a hypocrite and deceiver. "Now, look here," cried Red Rooney, stepping forward; "listen to me." Having regard to his commanding look and tone, the natives considered him the leader of the party, and listened with respect.
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