The twins and Koko sat in the bottom of the boat with
the dogs, and listened to the regular dip of the paddles, to the
cries of the sea birds as they flew away toward the south, and to
the chatter of the women. These were almost the only sounds they
heard, for the silence of the Great White World was all about
them. They talked together in low voices and planned all the
things they would do when the long night was really upon them
once more.
When at last they came in sight of the Big Rock, they felt as if
they had reached home after a very long journey.
Koko stood up in the boat and pointed to it. "See," he cried,
"there's the Big Rock where we found the bear!"
"Yes," Monnie said, "and where we slid downhill."
"And I see where I got caught on the ice raft," Menie shouted.
"Sit down," said Koko's mother. "You'll tip the boat and spill us
all into the water."
Koko sat down; the boat glided along through the water, nearer
and nearer, until at last they came round the Big Rock, and
there, just as if they had not been away at all, lay the whole
village of five igloos, looking as if it had gone to sleep in the
sunshine.
The big boats waited until the men had all paddled to the shore
and beached their kyaks, then they were drawn carefully up on to
the sand, and every one got out. The beach at once became a very
busy place. The men pulled the walruses and seals out of the
water and took care of the boats, while the women set up the
tents, cut the meat into big pieces for storage, and carried all
their belongings to the tents.
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