d higher than loyalty to a chief. He
refrained, however, from pressing the matter at that time.

Not so Anders. When that worthy saw that Teyma would not act, and that
Leo from some inexplicable reason hesitated, he quietly took the matter
into his own hands, and so wrought on the feelings of a weak but amiable
youth of the tribe, that he prevailed on him to carry a message to the
enemy, explaining to him earnestly that no evil, but the reverse, would
result from his mission; that the Kablunets were men of peace, who would
immediately come over to Flatland and put everything right in a
peaceable and satisfactory manner.

"Tell the white men," said Anders, "that we are prisoners in Flatland--
alive and well--but they must come to help us quickly."

No difficulty was experienced in sending the messenger away. There was
unlimited personal freedom in Flatland. Young men frequently went off
to hunt for days together at a time, without saying anything about their
intentions, unless they chose; so the secret messenger set out. Thus
the interpreter lighted the fuse of a mine which was eminently
calculated to blow up the plans of Grabantak.

But another fuse had been lighted which, in a still more effectual
manner, overturned the plans of that warlike chief.

It chanced at this time that the Flatlanders ran short of meat. Their
habit was to go off on a grand hunt, gather as much meat as they could,
and then come home to feast and rejoice with their families until
scarcity again obliged them to hunt. Of course there were many among
them whose natural activity rebelled against this lazy style of life,
but the exertions of these did not suffice to keep the whole tribe
supplied. Hence it came to pass, that they often began to be in want
while in the midst of plenty. A grand hunt was therefore organised.

They were tired, they said, of ducks and geese and swans. They wanted a
change from seals and bears, walruses and such small fry. Nothing short
of a whale would serve them!

Once stirred up to the point of action, there was no lack of energy
among these northern Eskimos. Kayaks, lines, and spears were got ready,
and oomiaks were launched; for women and children loved to see the
sport, though they did not join in it. Everywhere bustle and excitement
reigned, and the hubbub was not a little increased by the agitated dogs,
which knew well what was a-foot, and licked their lips in anticipation.

Of course Leo and An