The light was worse than ever on our return, and we arrived back in the
dark. Sir Ernest met us with a lantern and guided us into the lead
astern and thence to the ship."
This was the first seal we had secured since March 19, and the meat
and blubber made a welcome addition to the stores.
Three emperor penguins made their appearance in a lead west of the
ship on May 3. They pushed their heads through the young ice while two
of the men were standing by the lead. The men imitated the emperor's
call and walked slowly, penguin fashion, away from the lead. The birds
in succession made a magnificent leap 3 ft. clear from the water on to
the young ice. Thence they tobogganed to the bank and followed the men
away from the lead. Their retreat was soon cut off by a line of men.
"We walk up to them, talking loudly and assuming a threatening aspect.
Notwithstanding our bad manners, the three birds turn towards us,
bowing ceremoniously. Then, after a closer inspection, they conclude
that we are undesirable acquaintances and make off across the floe. We
head them off and finally shepherd them close to the ship, where the
frenzied barking of the dogs so frightens them that they make a
determined effort to break through the line. We seize them. One bird
of philosophic mien goes quietly, led by one flipper.
Pages:
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103