Waxel

Waxel, as he recovered, was afraid of tempting revolt with orders, and convened the crew by vote to determine all that should be done.

Vikings of the Pacific The Adventures of the Explorers who Came from the West, Eastward 1903

Waxel called a meeting to suggest breaking up the packet vessel to build a smaller craft.

Vikings of the Pacific The Adventures of the Explorers who Came from the West, Eastward 1903

Waxel had already canvassed all hands to vote for a landing to winter on these shores.

Vikings of the Pacific The Adventures of the Explorers who Came from the West, Eastward 1903

Steller hurried off to hunt anti-scorbutic plants, while Waxel, who had taken command, and Khitroff ordered the water-casks filled.

Vikings of the Pacific The Adventures of the Explorers who Came from the West, Eastward 1903

In September of the same year, an imperial decree put an end to the Northern Expedition, and Waxel set out across Siberia to take the crew back to St. Petersburg.

Vikings of the Pacific The Adventures of the Explorers who Came from the West, Eastward 1903

All went well between Russians and Indians, presents being exchanged, till a chief screwed up his courage to paddle out to Waxel in the boat.

Vikings of the Pacific The Adventures of the Explorers who Came from the West, Eastward 1903

Waxel lowered away in the small boat with nine armed men to pay the savages a visit.

Vikings of the Pacific The Adventures of the Explorers who Came from the West, Eastward 1903

Indians grabbed the mooring ropes and seized the Chukchee interpreter, whom Waxel had brought from Siberia.

Vikings of the Pacific The Adventures of the Explorers who Came from the West, Eastward 1903

Waxel wintered that year at Avacha Bay, crossing the mainland in the spring of 1743.

Vikings of the Pacific The Adventures of the Explorers who Came from the West, Eastward 1903

Waxel ordered the rope cut, but the Chukchee interpreter called out pitifully to be saved.

Vikings of the Pacific The Adventures of the Explorers who Came from the West, Eastward 1903