These lodge poles were steadied by being lashed to a couple of cross poles whose arch conformed to the inner curve of the lodge. The covering was preferably made of mooseskins sewn together although caribouskins were used if the former were not available. Sometimes the upper part of the cover was of mooseskins while caribouskins were used for the sides.

The new captain would read the fitness report and mark him once and for all as an unreliable fool […]

‘Now, Penpunt, you may tell me all that passed between you and the wives of the clachan.’

It was feared that, even in tolerant but not omnitolerant Holland, his presence among them threatened the repute, or even safety, of the refugee community.