could easily master, they approached softly so near, that they could stare them in the face, and then raised a most frightful yell, which commonly terrified the Europeans thus taken by surprise, and threw them into such confusion, that they left all, and were glad if they escaped with their lives.  If, however, the Europeans did not allow themselves to be frightened by the unexpected cry, but received them in a friendly manner, and made offer to trade, the Esquimaux would agree with seeming cordiality; and having sent off their boats and families, the men returned in their kaiaks bringing a few whale-fins to sell, and entered upon a very amicable-like traffic.  This kind of intercourse they would continue for some days, till, having gained the confidence of the strangers and thrown them off their guard, then the most resolute and strongest of the Esquimaux, concealing their long knives in a secret sheath in their left sleeve, would enter upon a bargain for some more fins, and while adjusting it with the greatest show of friendship, each would seize the trader with whom he was dealing, as if he meant to embrace him, and on a given sign by their leader, would plunge his knife into his heart.  In this manner the whole were cut off, and their property became the prey of the savages, who, when they had fairly cleaned Chateau Bay, would set sail to renew their depredations in other quarters, and if dark and misty weather favoured, and their force was sufficient, they would even scour the straits of Bellisle, or roam during the night in search of booty through the neighbouring islands.  Such was the character of the savages the Moravians were desirous to civilize; how they succeeded, the following pages will show.

THE MORAVIANS IN LABRADOR

CHAPTER I.

 Hudson’s Bay Company first settle among the Esquimaux.—­J.C. 
   Erhardt suggests a mission—­his letter to the Moravian
   Bishop.—­M.  Stach consulted.—­London merchants undertake the
   scheme—­engage Erhardt—­its fatal conclusion.—­Jans Haven
   employed by the Brethren, encouraged by the British Government,
   sets out on a voyage of discovery—­his providential arrival at
   Quirpont—­first meeting with the Esquimaux—­his interesting
   intercourse—­returns to England.—­His second expedition,
   accompanied by Drachart and other missionaries—­their
   proceedings.—­Drachart’s remarkable conversation with the
   natives—­influence of the missionaries in preserving
   peace—­their religious communications with the savages—­the
   curiosity of the latter—­their thievish tricks—­their kindness
   to the missionaries—­a dreadful storm.—­Drachart and Haven
   entertained by an Angekok—­his incantations—­their parting
   addresses to each other—­the missionaries return to London.