CHAP. VII.

The first Death.-Character of the Deceased.-Funeral of Thomas Mobley.-A few Remarks on fitting "Housings," Winter Hatches, &c. Arrangements for the Winter.Departure of the Sun.-Last View of the Sun.-Guy Fawkes' Day. Strange Noises in the Offing.- Preparation for the Theatre. The Prologue.-The Performance. A few

Words on the Theatre.

OUR thoughts were now bent on completing our arrangements for the winter, which all on board the "Resolute" determined should pass as pleasantly as good fellowship could make it.

I

As may be supposed, each traveller had various interesting incidents to recount to the envious few (myself among the number) who had the misfortune to be tied up on board. They each and all saw numerous herds of deer and musk-oxen. Wolves, hares, and foxes were also observed. shall not enter into a detail of what each saw or killed, but refer the reader to the subjoined result of our sporting exploits, since sighting the shores of Melville Island, which we most certainly have found to abound in animal life.

Up to this period our little community had, thanks to God, been preserved in good health, with every prospect of its continuance, but alas, "in the midst of life we are in death," and the truthfulness of this was sadly exemplified in the melancholy case I am about to relate.

Our steward, Thomas Mobley (marine), had for some time past been incapable of any great exertion, and the surgeon was aware of the cause, viz. a latent disease of the heart; but hoped by dint of precaution, to ward off its effects for some time.

On Monday the 18th, the poor fellow incautiously went on deck, without being properly clad for the change of temperature, between the lower deck and that of the atmosphere. A few minutes afterwards, he fell down dead; his pulse I believe, did beat for about a minute, but no other signs of life appeared after his fall. He was immediately conveyed to the sick-bay, where every remedy that experience and kindness suggested was promptly applied, but unfortunately without effect.

Few things in my somewhat eventful life, have produced a more saddening effect than that occasioned by the death of this man beloved and respected by all on board

who was

and this

CHARACTER OF THE DECEASED.

149

must not be considered in the light of commonplace observation; the respect of the officers and men towards him was sincere. He was beloved by his shipmates for his amiable qualities, and respected by the officers for his trustworthy character. In him our mess experienced the loss of an invaluable servant, who could not be replaced. An upright man, and I believe a sincere Christian, he died as he had lived-"the noblest work of God" an honest man.

The following day, a spot near the beach on the eastern shore of Dealy Island was selected for the burial place, and parties were sent daily to dig a grave, but the frozen state of the ground rendered this no easy matter, and many days were occupied in getting a sufficient depth beneath the surface, and even then we were compelled to rest satisfied with only two feet eight inches; and to effect this, powder was obliged to be resorted to, in addition to pickaxes, shovels, and the usual implements for digging.

On Monday, 25th, Commander M'Clintock with the travelling parties under his charge returned to the ship, after an absence of nineteen days. He had succeeded in placing a depôt on Point Nias, in Hecla and Griper Bay. The difficulties he

150

FUNERAL OF THOMAS MOBLEY.

encountered were of no ordinary nature, but with his usual perseverance he overcame them.

Many ravines intersected his route; these of course he was obliged to cross: the labour in doing so with heavily-laden sledges may be imagined, particularly on the ascending slope, for, however gentle the ascent, the resistance of the sledge must increase with every degree of inclination.

Tuesday, 26th.--At 10 A.M. the officers and men of both vessels assembled for the purpose of attending the funeral of the late Thomas Mobley. A considerable drift raised by a strong wind from the northward rendered the day particularly unpleasant.

The mournful procession was headed by his comrades with arms reversed, then the coffin drawn on a sledge, and covered by a sailor's pall the Union Jack the corpse was followed by the officers and men.

As the march commenced, the ensigns on board the ships were hoisted half-mast, and the bells were slowly tolled, sending forth across the snowy plain a most mournful sound.

Few things are more impressive than the burial of a sailor at sea, when the progress of the stately ship is arrested, whilst the simple but beautiful