Accidents > Dangers of the deep, or, Narratives of shipwreck and adventure at sea

204 SUFFERINGS AMONG THE INDIANS,
stick the Indians take with them for that pur¬
pose.
Seals are taken in some less frequented
parts of these coasts, with great ease; but
when their haunts have been two or three
times disturbed, they soon learn to provide for
their safety, by repairing to the water upon
the first alarm. This is the case with them
hereabouts; but as they frequently raise their
heads above water, either to breathe or look
about them, I have seen an Indian at this in¬
terval, throw his lance with such dexterity as*
to strike the animal through both its eyes, at a
great distance; and it is very seldom that they
miss their aim.
As we were wholly unacquainted with these
methods of providing food for ourselves, and
were without arms and ammunition, we were
driven to the utmost straits, and found our¬
selves rather in worse condition than we had
been at any time before. For the Indians
having now nothing to fear from us, we found
we had nothing to expect from them upon any
other motive. Accordingly, if ever they did
relieve us, it was through caprice ; for at most
times they would shew themselves unconcern¬
ed at our greatest distresses. But the good In-