I can't
read." So I directed course in fog and Steve steered. Later,
clear, fair, high wind. Steve cool, nervy, tireless. He traps
foxes and shoots partridges in winter. Buys flour and molasses.
Got too windy to travel. Landed at Big Black Island to wait for
lower wind. George used up--lumbago. Put him to bed and put on
mustard plaster. Bought salmon of Joe Lloyd. Lives in 10 x 12
shanty, hole in roof for smoke to escape. Eskimo wife. "Is all
the world at peace, sir?" He came from England. Hungry for news.
Had trout smoking in chimney. A little wood on this island, and
moss, thick and soft. Wind high, and George sick, so did not go
on. Gave George two blankets and tarpaulin. Did not pitch tent.
Wallace and I threw tent down and lay on it. Pulled his blanket
over us and slept. Still sunlight at 11. Whales snorting in the
bay. Big gulls croaking.
Friday, July 10th.--Awoke at 1 A.M. Bright moonlight, made coffee
and milk. Called men. George very bad. Portaged outfit 200 yards
to boat. Found her high. Worked till 4.30 to launch her. Little
wind. Made Pompey Island at 11. Saw many whales and seals.
Caught caplin on fish-hook tied to stick jerking them.
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