Maisanguaq:

"Marvellous is thy power, Ootah," and his low bitter laughter followed.

The white men began to sing as they danced with the chubby women. In
couples they rocked to and fro.

"Have I not killed of all the birds of the air, the animals of the land
and sea! Have I not observed the customs of the august dead? Have I
done aught to bring misfortune to the tribe?"

In spontaneous recognition of his pre-eminence the young men freely
yielded Annadoah. Only Maisanguaq felt bitter.

Ootah summoned his helpers and the sleds of blubber were drawn to the
immediate entrance of Annadoah's tent. He seemed to step upon air.
His heart bounded.

"Annadoah! Annadoah!" he called. "Ootah waits thee. Ootah hath
brought thee treasure from the depths of the sea. Strong is the arm
and brave is the heart of Ootah when the arm strikes and the heart
beats with the thought of thee."

Seeing him there, the natives ceased dancing. The white men, curious,
drew near the tent.

As he stood there, his head erect, proud, expectant, he became
conscious of a sudden ominous silence on the part of his companions.
Some distance away the women were whispering to one another, and above,
in the sky, circled a black guillemot.