deed Rooney had become so excited as well as interested
in the game, that it was all he could do to restrain himself from
leaping into the midst of the struggling mass and taking a part. He
greeted the pause and the inquiring gaze with a true British cheer,
which additionally charmed as well as surprised the natives. But their
period of rest was brief.

Simek had the ball at the time. He suddenly sent it with a wild "Huk!
hoo-o-o!" whirling into the air. The Kablunet was instantly forgotten.
The ball came straight down towards a clumsy young man, who extended his
hands, claw-like, to receive it. At that moment lppegoo launched
himself like a thunderbolt into the small of the clumsy youth's back,
and sent him sprawling on the snow amid shouts of laughter, while Norrak
leaped neatly in, and, catching the ball as it rebounded, sent it up
again on the same side. As it went up straight and came down
perpendicularly, there was a concentric rush from all sides. Ujarak
chanced to be the buffer who received the shock, and his big body was
well able to sustain it. At the same moment he deftly caught the ball.

"Ho! his torngak helps him!" shouted Okiok ironically.

"So he does," cried the wizard, with a scoffing laugh, as he hurled the
ball aloft; "why does not your torngak help _you_?"

There was a loud titter at this, but the laugh was turned in favour of
the other side when Ermigit caught the ball, and sent it over to the
Okiok band, while their leader echoed the words, "So he does," and spun
the ball from him with such force that it flew over all heads, and
chanced to alight in the lap of Red Rooney. It could not have landed
better, for that worthy returned it as a point-blank shot which took
full effect on the unexpectant nose of Ermigit.

The spirited lad was equal to the occasion. Although water rose
unbidden to his eyes, he caught the ball, and with a shout of laughter
flung it into the midst of his own side. Thus the play went on fast and
furious, until both sides were gasping. Then with one consent they
stopped for a more prolonged rest--for there was no winning or losing at
this game. Their only aim was to see which side could get hold of the
ball oftenest and keep it longest until all were exhausted.

But the fun did not cease although the game did, for another and quieter
game of strength was instituted. The whole party drew closer round
their president, and many of them mounted to points of vantag