Both were now fat , well-looking , and quite restored to their proper minds , but coupled to each other in an extraordinary fashion . When the black leader ran off , you remember , his harness was still on him . He must have met Kotuko the dog , and played or fought with him , for his shoulder-loop had caught in the plaited copper wire of Kotuko 's collar , and had drawn tight , so that neither could get at the trace to gnaw it apart , but each was fastened sidelong to his neighbour 's neck . That , with the freedom of hunting on their own account , must have helped to cure their madness . They were very sober . The girl pushed the two shamefaced creatures towards Kotuko , and , sobbing with laughter , cried , `` That is Quiquern , who led us to safe ground . Look at his eight legs and double head ! '' Kotuko cut them free , and they fell into his arms , yellow and black together , trying to explain how they had got their senses back again . Kotuko ran a hand down their ribs , which were round and well clothed . `` They have found food , '' he said , with a grin . `` I do not think we shall go to Sedna so soon . My tornaq sent these . The sickness has left them . '' As soon as they had greeted Kotuko , these two , who had been forced to sleep and eat and hunt together for the past few weeks , flew at each other 's throat , and there was a beautiful battle in the snow-house . `` Empty dogs do not fight , '' Kotuko said . `` They have found the seal . Let us sleep . We shall find food . '' When they waked there was open water on the north beach of the island , and all the loosened ice had been driven landward . The first sound of the surf is one of the most delightful that the Inuit can hear , for it means that spring is on the road .
XXXXX and the girl took hold of hands and smiled , for the clear , full roar of the surge among the ice reminded them of salmon and reindeer time and the smell of blossoming ground-willows .
Inuit Kotuko Quiquern Sedna first landward left neighbour shoulder-loop tornaq