noon
Being resolved not to risk failure by taking too many companions , the Eskimo limited the number to seven , besides himself -- namely , Nazinred , with his fire-spouter ; Oolalik , whom he deemed the strongest and bravest among the young men ; Anteek , the most plucky of the big boys ; Aglootook , the medicine-man , whom he took `` for luck ; '' and Nootka , as being the most vigorous and hardworking among the women . She could repair the boots , etcetera , and do what little cooking might be required . Cowlik the easy-going was also taken to keep Nootka company . It was high noon when the party set out on their mysterious journey , and a brighter glow than usual was suffusing the eastern sky , while a gleam of direct sunshine , the first seen that spring , was tipping the peaks of the higher bergs as if with burnished gold . It was merely a whim that induced Cheenbuk to throw an air of mystery over the expedition . Having no definite idea himself of what he was going in search of , or how long he should be away , he thought it wisest to look solemn and keep his thoughts to himself ; thereby impressing his kinsmen with the belief that he was one of the wisest men of the tribe , which in truth he was . Being , as we have said elsewhere , a man of humour and a good-natured fellow , he thought that the presence of the magician , whom he believed to be an arrant humbug , would add mystery as well as interest to the expedition .