n his hands, Kajo tried to
rouse himself, bethought him of flight, gave a hiccoughing cheer, and
went skimming away like a sword-fish.

"After him now, boys, and keep alongside," cried Okiok.

Responsive to the order, the boat shot after the kayak, but they had
barely got under weigh when Kajo made a false stroke with the paddle,
lost his balance, and disappeared.

"I expected that," remarked Okiok, with a laugh.

"But the poor man will drown," said Egede anxiously; "he is too drunk to
recover himself."

This was obvious, for the overturned craft seemed to quiver like a dying
whale, while its owner made wild but fruitless efforts to recover his
proper position; and it is certain that the poor man would then and
there have paid the penalty of his intemperance with his life, if the
boat had not ranged alongside, and rescued him.

"So then," said Angut to Egede, as they were bringing Kajo ashore, "this
is the effect of the mad waters that I have often heard of, but never
seen till now."

"Yes, Angut, you see the effect of them--at least on one man; but their
effects vary according to the nature of those who drink. Some men they
make violent, like Kajo; others become silly; while not a few become
heavy, stupid, and brutal. In my country most if not all of the murders
that take place are committed under the influence of strong drink. The
Red Indians, who dwell far to the south-west of your lands, call strong
drink `fire-water.' Your own name `mad waters' is better, I think."

Kajo was led forward at this moment, looking very much dejected, and
greatly sobered. He made no further attempt to resist, but, as a
precaution, his hands were again tied, and then he was left to dry in
the sun, and to his meditations, while the party made the traverse of
the bay.

This was accomplished in three trips. As the last party was about to
start, Okiok and Kajo alone remained on the shore.

"You had better think twice," said Rooney, as he was about to push off
the boat. "He may give you some trouble."

"Fear not," returned Okiok, with a grin, in which there were mingled fun
and contempt. "I have thought twice--three--four--ten times," and he
extended the fingers of both hands.

"Very good; we'll keep an eye on you," said Rooney, with a laugh.

"He runs no risk," remarked Egede, taking up one of the paddles to share
in the work. "His plan is one which Eskimos frequently adopt when one
of their kayaks has been destroyed