Having deposited the provisions, we set off at four A.M., paddling watch
and watch, to give the people a little rest. It was still quite calm;
but there being much ice about the island, and a thick fog coming on, we
were several hours groping our way clear of it. The walruses were here
very numerous, lying in herds upon the ice, and plunging into the water
to follow us as we passed. The sound they utter is something between
bellowing and very loud snorting, which, together with their grim,
bearded countenances and long tusks, makes them appear, as indeed they
are, rather formidable enemies to contend with. Under our present
circumstances, we were very well satisfied not to molest them, for they
would soon have destroyed our boats if one had been wounded; but I
believe they are never the first to make the attack. We landed upon the
ice still attached to Walden Island at 3.30 A.M. on the 23d. Our
flat-bottomed boats rowed heavily with their loads, but proved perfectly
safe, and very comfortable. The men being much fatigued, we rested here
some hours, and, after making our final arrangements with Lieutenant
Crozier, parted with him at three in the afternoon, and set off for
Little Table Island. Finding there was likely to be so much open water
in this neighbourhood in the autumn, I sent directions to Lieutenant
Foster to have a spare boat deposited at Walden Island in time for our
return, in case of any accident happening to ours.
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