C Ihe Ladies c cu. V'VVAN - History and Classics, Department of

60 THE LADIES, THE GWICH'IN, AND THE RATdefence and the clerk had all, on this occasion, travelled north in holiday frameof mind to carry out their various functions.The trial lasted all day, with intervals for meals. The Crown lawyer prosecuted,Mr O'Connor defended, the interpreter interpreted, the clerk took notes, thesix jury-men looked like a collection of the toughest ruffians imaginable, thejudge presided. The evidence went round and round, off at a tangent, back againin circles and at last, although manslaughter was evident to all, a verdict of "NotGuilty" was brought in.The chief characters in this performance were Ikagena, the accused murdererfrom the Coppermine district, N alugiak and Hanergak-apparently both of themthe wives of Ikagena and the dead man Ulukshuk-Panujak the witness, wearingkhaki shirt and trousers with mukluks adorned by coloured tops, a man withsmall eyes and narrow forehead. It was a strange scene, I thought, as I watched thejudge who, in black coat and white tie, sat motionless with a Union Jack behindhim draped against the pantry door. Never again, I said to myself, shall I have thechance of attending an Eskimo murder trial. I began to take notes.Sergeant: "I declare this court open in the name of the King." Interpreterstands up ready for action, in reindeer parka, white wolverine collar,moccasins, blue trousers, a man with an aristocratic face and jutting chin,alert dark eyes, gold ring on one finger, half Kanaka, half Eskimo, moistenslip with tongue, looks intently from Judge to witness who comes forward.Judge: "White man's religion in this book, see? You kiss this book and speak.Not speak truth very bad." To interpreter: "Say only tell what he knows."Questioning begins. "How many wives had Ulukshuk?" "Kookterna,Nalugiak, Nalonga." Nalonga is slit-eyed, tattooed lines on face, now fear andnow anger in her expression.Anlong strange questions and answers I began to lose the thread of the trial."Ulukshuk bad man, make plenty trouble for people?" "He in touch withspirits to make better?" "Yes, medicine man." "When Eskimo get mad whatthat mean?" "And he took his rifle with him." "Did the wife ever see Ikagenawatch Ulukshuk when Ulukshuk was mad?" "Now I protest, my Lord, howcould such a woman know a man's mental condition?"