Can you recall the great rivers of whale-oil from the sea
into which they have been poured, or the blood of men from the earth
that swallowed it? Is not war _always_ loss, loss, loss, and _never_
gain? Why cannot we live at peace with those who will, and fight only
with those who insist on war."

"Go, Teyma, stop your mouth with blubber," said the chief, rising; "I am
weary of you. I tell you, Amalatok shall die; Puiroe shall be mine.
The tribes shall all learn to tremble at the name of Grabantak and to
respect the men of Flatland."

"Ay, and to love them too, I suppose," added Teyma with a facetious
sneer.

"Boo!" replied his chief, bringing the conversation to an abrupt close
by walking away.

In accordance with their chief's resolve, the Grabantak band embarked in
their kayaks next morning, the gale having moderated, and with the
intention of obtaining reinforcements, paddled back to Flatland, which
they reached in a couple of days.

On the voyage Leo confined himself strictly to the oars and paddles,
being unwilling to let the Eskimos into the secret of the kite, until he
could do so with effect, either in the way of adding to their respect
for the white man and his contrivances, or of making his escape.

Now, as has been said or hinted, although Grabantak's son, Koyatuk, was
a stout and tall man, he was not gifted with much brain. He possessed
even less of that substance than his father, whose energy and power of
muscle, coupled with indomitable obstinacy, enabled him to hold the
reins of government which were his by hereditary right. Besides being a
fearless man, Grabantak was respected as a good leader in war. But
Koyatuk had neither the energy of his father, nor his determination. He
was vacillating and lazy, as well as selfish. Hence he was not a
favourite, and when, after landing at Flatland, he endeavoured to renew
his claim to Oblooria, neither his father nor the people encouraged him.
The timid one was therefore left with Leo and Anders, who immediately
fitted up for her a separate screened-off apartment in the hut which was
assigned to them in the native village.

Even Koyatuk's mother did not befriend her son on this occasion. Merkut
had her own reasons for proving faithless to her spoilt boy, whom on
most occasions she favoured. Knowing his character well, the sturdy
wife of Grabantak had made up her mind that Koyatuk should wed a young
intelligent, and what you may call lumpy girl nam