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"Yes, mother, and she is also griggy." We may remark in passing that it is impossible to convey the exact meaning of the Eskimo word which we have rendered "griggy." Enough to say, once for all, that in difficult words and phrases we give as nearly as possible our English equivalents. "And Kunelik," said Nuna, continuing to enumerate her guests; "I like the mother of Ippegoo.
Suddenly the little woman glanced at her slumbering household, cast a meaning look at her husband, and laughed silently of course. "Has Nuna become a fool that she laughs at nothing?" demanded Okiok simply.
His mission was to reach the village, and fetch Nuna, Pussimek, Kunelik, Sigokow, and his own mother, in one of the oomiaks or women's boats when open water should permit. It was while our Eskimos were thus idly waiting for their wives, that the before-mentioned southern Eskimos arrived, and met them with every demonstration of friendliness and good-will.
Reginald was, of course, eager to move on at once to the place where the female had been seen, feeling almost sure that it could be no other than Nuna. "That may be the case," observed Buxsoo; "but, supposing that the temple is guarded by a strong garrison, how are we to get in and rescue her?
Could Nuna be there? That such was the case was probable; but the room, on the other hand, might be tenanted by a party of armed men, and should they open the door, there would be no little danger in finding themselves among them. The steps, it was evident, continued on to the lower part of the building. There might be other chambers, one of which might be that occupied by Nuna.
In the afternoon Ujarak returned from a visit, as he said, to the nether world, and with his brother wizards for there were several in the tribe confirmed the rumour. As evening approached, Rooney entered Okiok's hut. No one was at home except Nuna and Tumbler. The latter was playing, as usual, with his little friend Pussi. The goodwife was busy over the cooking-lamp.
Seeing his condition, the father and son lifted him on the sledge, wrapped him in skins, and drove back to the huts at full speed. Nuna was awaiting them outside, with eager eyes and beating heart, for the discovery of a real live Kablunet was to her an object of as solemn and anxious curiosity as the finding of a veritable living ghost might be to a civilised man. But Nuna was not alone.
The surprise and pleasure of this meeting was still at its height when two shrill cries were heard. These were instantly followed by the bursting of Pussi and Tumbler on the scene, the former of whom rushed into the ready arms of Pussimek, while the latter plunged into the bosom of Nuna. Ippegoo, unable to contain himself for joy, began an impromptu and original waltz round his own mother.
"But what is the Kablunet like?" cried Kabelaw, as eagerly as if it were the first time of asking. "I have told you six times," replied Nuna. "Tell her again," cried the mother of Arbalik, with a sniff; "she's so used to lies that she finds it hard to take in the truth."
As he spoke the bullets rattled thickly around his head; so he discharged both his pistols, and again urging Nuna to escape, he with a bound sprang after her, before another musket could be aimed at him; while Faithful, who had wonderfully escaped, kept the soldiers at bay, notwithstanding their commander's urgent orders to them to advance. At that moment there was a cry raised by the sepoys
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