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these men until I have positive proof by
overt act of their mutinous purposes. Nor
can I trust the matter to other hands
than my own. My faithful few are down
upon their backs. I cannot depress them
by disclosing a scheme which would if
successful be nearly fatal to them. The others
I am unable to trust, behold me
then obliged to sleep by cat naps, keep
vigil, night and day, walk armed to
the teeth, and withal grin, eat, and
clock as if my sole duty was to enjoy
the very bountiful resources of this arctic
pleasure ground.

Sick have lost nothing. Although
Petersen and Bonsall begin to suffer
in the joints.

Monday
Mar 19.

Hans got off at 11. a.m.
Every thing ready for a strenuous attempt
to renew our supplies of meat. By
devising outside duty I managed to separate
John and Bill, and thus
by keeping a constant guard over one
to frustrate their intentions, I did this
so ingeniously that they did not suspect
my reason, but the impatience and anxiety
of the parties was a scene "as good as a
play". It would be serious play should
they rob us of our dogs and gain the
[Nutlek?] settlements. We could then no
longer hunt or communicate with Leiper
Bay. I hope that the danger is now
over and that I may keep this thing
a secret in my own breast. Situated as
we are even the frustration of a mutinous
idea, had best be concealed. This course
is not only one of true policy but of [charity?]
to the delinquents.