great animals were sunning themselves on the southern ridge of the
floe. His tactics were to paddle about to the north, land on the floe,
and descend upon the walrus from the protection of the ridges of
crushed ice which always abound on these rafts of the arctic sea.

While he retarded the kayak and played with his paddle, Ootah became
conscious of disquieting things in the world about him.

In the heavens he saw low lying clouds moving slowly southward. Higher
above, clouds moved more swiftly in another direction.

"The _quilanialeqisut_ (air spirits) are not at rest," murmured Ootah.
"O spirits of the air, what disturbs your ease?"

The clouds in the higher ether circled as if in an eddy of wind.
Certainly the spirits were not at peace among themselves.

"Spirits of the air," spake Ootah, "waft your caresses to Annadoah's
cheeks. Tell her Ootah waits to kill the walrus, that Ootah loves her
and would make Annadoah his wife--_neuilacto_ Annadoah; tell Annadoah
Ootah presses his nose to hers and calls her _Mamacadosa_ (of all
things that which tastes the most delightful)."

A gust swept the clouds from the zenith. Still no breath of air
touched the sea.

To the lee a group of small icebergs passed. They rocked and eddied,
and from their glacial sides the light poured in changing colors.

"O spirit of the light, carry thy bright message to the eyes of