swain, in his best, he
paid a ceremonial visit to Oblooria, who lived with Merkut, the wife of
Grabantak, in a hut at the eastern suburb of the village. Oolichuk's
costume was simple, if not elegant. It consisted of an undercoat of
bird-skins, with the feathers inwards; bearskin pantaloons with the hair
out; an upper coat of the grey seal; dogskin socks and sealskin boots.

That young Eskimo did not visit his bride empty-handed. He carried a
bundle containing a gift--skins of the young eider-duck to make an
undergarment for his lady-love, two plump little auks with which to
gratify her palate, and a bladder of oil to wash them down and cause her
heart to rejoice.

Good fortune favoured this brave man, for he met Oblooria at a lonely
part of the shore among the boulders.

Romance lies deep in the heart of an Eskimo--so deep that it is not
perceptible to the naked eye. Whatever the Poloe warrior and maiden
felt, they took care not to express in words. But Oolichuk looked
unutterable things, and invited Oblooria to dine then and there. The
lady at once assented with a bashful smile, and sat down on a boulder.
Oolichuk sat down beside her, and presented the bundle of
under-clothing.

While the lady was examining this with critical eyes, the gentleman
prepared the food. Taking one of the auks, he twisted off its head, put
his forefinger under the integuments of the neck, drew the skin down
backwards, and the bird was skinned. Then he ran his long thumb-nail
down the breast and sliced off a lump, which he presented to the lady
with the off-hand air of one who should say, "If you don't want it you
may let it alone!"

Raw though the morsel was, Oblooria accepted it with a pleased look, and
ate it with relish. She also accepted the bladder, and, putting it to
her lips, pledged him in a bumper of oil.

Oolichuk continued this process until the first auk was finished. He
then treated the second bird in the same manner, and assisted his
lady-love to consume it, as well as the remainder of the oil.
Conversation did not flow during the first part of the meal, but, after
having drunk deeply, their lips were opened and the feast of reason
began. It consisted chiefly of a running commentary by the man on the
Kablunets and their ways, and appreciative giggles on the part of the
woman; but they were interrupted at the very commencement by the sudden
appearance of one of the Kablunets sauntering towards them.

They ros