There are
fourteen in harness and two are running beside them of their own
accord, entering into the spirit of the thing in spite of their fear
of that formidable whip. Nine of these useful animals belong to the
mission. Their names are Yauerfritze, Purtzelmutter, Purtzel, Caro,
Pius, Fanny (an exceptionally friendly Eskimo dog), Ammi, Kakkortak
and Takkolik. The others belong to different natives.
[Illustration: TRAVELLING IN LABRADOR.]
Our imaginary night has been short enough, and we are supposed to be
preparing for a new start. "Look, see," says Thomas to me, and pours
some water on the iron of the runners, for the sledge has meanwhile
been turned upside down. Were it winter, that water would at once
freeze on the iron and form a splendid smooth surface for the sledge
to run on over ice or snow. "Hoo-eet." The sledge has been turned
right again and repacked, and the dogs get up. No, there is nothing
left behind. "Hoo-eet;" away we go. It is astonishing how widely the
dogs spread themselves in pulling. However, the course of the sledge,
as it follows them, depends more on the nimble drivers. See yonder dog
is getting to the wrong side of that post, by way of illustrating the
difficulties of travelling through a wood.
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