diff options
Diffstat (limited to '8991-h/8991-h.htm')
| -rw-r--r-- | 8991-h/8991-h.htm | 23336 |
1 files changed, 23336 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/8991-h/8991-h.htm b/8991-h/8991-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..734fb3f --- /dev/null +++ b/8991-h/8991-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,23336 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN"> +<html><head><title>The FurCountry by Jules Verne</title> + +<meta content="MSHTML 6.00.2600.0" name="GENERATOR"> + +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"> + +<style type="text/css">BODY { + + BACKGROUND: #ffffec; FONT-FAMILY: Bookman Old Style + +} + +P { + + TEXT-INDENT: 2ex + +} + +H4 { + + TEXT-ALIGN: center + +} + +</style> + +</head> + + +<body> + + +<pre> +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Fur Country, by Jules Verne +#31 in our series by Jules Verne + +Copyright laws are changing all over the world. Be sure to check the +copyright laws for your country before downloading or redistributing +this or any other Project Gutenberg eBook. + +This header should be the first thing seen when viewing this Project +Gutenberg file. Please do not remove it. Do not change or edit the +header without written permission. + +Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the +eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file. Included is +important information about your specific rights and restrictions in +how the file may be used. You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: The Fur Country + Seventy Degrees North Latitude + +Author: Jules Verne + +Release Date: September, 2005 [EBook #8991] +Last Updated: December 31, 2018 + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FUR COUNTRY *** + + + + +Produced by N. Wolcott + +Linked table of contents provided by David Widger + + + +</pre> + + +<h4>THE FUR COUNTRY by Jules Verne</h4> + +<p><b>[Redactor's Note:</b> <i>The Fur Country</i>(Number <b>V010</b> in the + +T&M numerical listing of Verne's works) is a translation of <i>Le Pays de + +fourrures</i> (1873) first published in England by Sampson and Low and in the + +United States by James Osgood (1874). The translation is by N. d'Anvers, a + +pseudonym for Mrs. Arthur Bell (d. 1933) who also translated other works of + +Jules Verne. Other translations of this work are by Henry Frith (George + +Routledge, 1879) and Edward Baxter (New Canada Press, 1987).</p> + +<p>A listing of the illustrations in the original editions is provided as well + +as a table of contents for each part. The illustrations are assigned numbers + +which refer to the part of the book, chapter, and order (a,b,c etc.) for use + +when an illustrated version is created.</p> + +<p>This redaction is by N. Wolcott (nwolcott2@post.harvard.edu) who assumes all + +responsibility for errors of omission or commission. <b>]</b></p> + +<hr> + +<br> + +<h4>THE FUR COUNTRY</h4> + +<h4>or</h4> + +<h4>Seventy Degrees North Latitude</h4> + +<p align="center"><i>Translated from the French of Jules Verne</i></p> + +<p align="center">BY</p> + +<p align="center">N. D'ANVERS</p> + +<p align="center">With One Hundred Illustrations</p> + +<p align="center">1874</p> + +<hr> + +<br> + +<h4 align="center">TO MY NEPHEWS</h4> + +<p align="center">HERBERT, EDGAR, AND ROBERT</p> + +<p align="center">This Translation</p> + +<p align="center">is</p> + +<p align="center">AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED,</p> + +<p align="right">N. D'ANVERS </p> + +<p>Clapham, 1873</p> + +<hr> + +<br> + +<h4>THE FUR COUNTRY.</h4> + +<h4>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.</h4> + +<table width="85%" border="1" align="center" cellspacing="1"> + + <tbody> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-01-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"Mrs Joliffe served out slice after slice"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-01-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>Lieutenant Hobson and Sergeant Long</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-01-c</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"The Corporal, match in hand, awaited the order of his + + Captain"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-02-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>The arrival of Thomas Black</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-02-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>A savant thawed</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-03-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>Thomas Black introduces himself</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-04-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>The start from Fort Reliancce</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-04-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"Lieutenant Hobson and the Sergeant led the way,"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-05-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>Corporal Joliffe proves his skill in driving,</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-05-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>The beginning of the thaw</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-05-c</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>The effects of the thaw</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-06-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>A wapiti duel</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-06-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"To the icebergs! to the icebergs!"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-06-c</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"There were bears prowling in the pass"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-07-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>The Hare Indians</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-08-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>A storm on the lake</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-08-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"Hobson uttered a last despairing cry!"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-08-c</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>Saved!</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-09-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>The mouth of the Coppermine River</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-09-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"Thousands of birds were shot"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-10-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>Traces of an encampment</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-11-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>The footprints of a dancer</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-11-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>A temporary encampment</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-12-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"I promise you double pay"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-12-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>The site of the fort</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-12-c</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>Collecting materials for the new factory</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-13-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>A hunting party</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-14-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>Sergeant Long and Madge fishing</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-14-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"From this position they were able," &c.</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-15-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>A Morse Hunt</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-16-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>Walrus Bay</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-16-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>Two shots</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-16-c</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>Rival claimants</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-17-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"A new country was springing into being"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-17-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"A kind of fete was held"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-18-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"Mrs Barnett read aloud"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-18-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"The dogs rushed out" &c.</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-19-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"The body was hauled up" &c.</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-19-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>Some living creatures came out of the hut</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-19-c</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"She ran up to it" &c.</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-20-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"It is more beautiful than an Aurora Borealis!"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-21-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"The bears were walking about on the roof"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-21-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"Mrs Barnett pressed the brave man's hand"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-21-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"Mrs Barnett discharged the contents" &c.</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-21-d</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"Mingled howls and screams were heard"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-22-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"Just look at our house now!"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-22-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"The ice burst" &c.</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-22-c</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"Its waters were still sweet" &c.</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-23-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"He might be seen standing motionless and silent"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-23-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"All might watch the progress of the phenomenon"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-23-c</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"Please, sir, it's because of the pay"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>I-23-d</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"He shook his fist at the sun"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-02-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"I think not"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-02-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"The carpenter fixed upon the beach" &c.</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-02-c</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"Thomas Black would not even join the exploring party"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-03-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"They breakfasted" &c.</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-03-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"Numerous furred animals" &c.</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-04-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"He was able to look closely at the steep wall" &c.</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-04-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"Keep hold!"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-04-c</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"Corporal Joliffe was extremely fond of him"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-05-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"Thanks to the Corporal's unwearying exertions"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-05-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"We are sinking gradually"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-06-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"Hobson remained crouching" &c.</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-060b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"The Lieutenant promised" &c.</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-07-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"Not that way"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-07-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"Sergeant! Where are you?"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-07-c</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"We saw their fire; they will see ours!"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-08-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"Look, Madge, look!"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-08-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"The bear seized Kalumah by the clothes"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-08-c</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"It was the young Esquimaux girl Kalumah"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-09-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>She murmured, 'Mrs Barnett'</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-09-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"The waves dashed over her kayak"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-09-c</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"She covered him with kisses"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-10-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"The Lieutenant tied round their necks"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-10-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"Hobson was in dismay"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-11-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"The wolves came within musket range"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-11-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"We knew it, sir!"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-12-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"It was a Polar bear"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-12-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"Two large waggon sledges were built"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-13-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"Some of the icebergs assumed extraordinary forms"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-13-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"We must pass somehow"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-14-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"Marbre flung his running noose skilfully,"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-14-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"Everybody started back"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-15-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"It was dashed upon the ice-field with a fearful crash"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-15-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"I think it is time to retrace our steps"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-16-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"It is a frost-rime"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-16-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"He took the altitude"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-17-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"When an unexpected noise"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-17-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"It was like an army of icebergs" &c.</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-18-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"Poor things! poor things!"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-18-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"And a figure appeared" &c.</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-19-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"Examining the state of the sea" &c.</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-19-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"Mrs Barnett sobbed aloud"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-20-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"The lower framework was already floating"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-20-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"He escaped with a ducking"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-21-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"The embarkation of provisions, &c., had to be put off"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-22-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"He tightened them," &c.</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-22-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"Mrs Barnett turned and looked Madge full in the face"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-23-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"A beam . . . sunk deep into the earth" &c.</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-23-b</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>"The colonists, falling on their knees, returned thanks to + + God"</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="15%" valign="middle"> + + <p>II-24-a</p></td> + + <td width="85%" valign="middle"> + + <p>Kalumah and the bear</p></td></tr></tbody></table><br> + +<hr> + +<br> + +<h4>CONTENTS<br>Part I</h4> + +<table width="75%" border="1" align="center" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1"> + + <tbody> + + <tr> + + <td width="22%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#I">I</a></p></td> + + <td width="78%" valign="top"> + + <p>A Soiree at Fort Reliance</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="22%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#II">II</a></p></td> + + <td width="78%" valign="top"> + + <p>The Hudson's Bay Fur Company</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="22%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#III">III</a></p></td> + + <td width="78%" valign="top"> + + <p>A Savant Thawed</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="22%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#IV">IV</a></p></td> + + <td width="78%" valign="top"> + + <p>A Factory</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="22%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#V">V</a></p></td> + + <td width="78%" valign="top"> + + <p>From Fort Reliance to Fort enterprise</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="22%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#VI">VI</a></p></td> + + <td width="78%" valign="top"> + + <p>A Wapiti Duel</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="22%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#VII">VII</a></p></td> + + <td width="78%" valign="top"> + + <p>The Arctic Circle</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="22%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#VIII">VIII</a></p></td> + + <td width="78%" valign="top"> + + <p>The Great Bear Lake</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="22%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#IX">IX</a></p></td> + + <td width="78%" valign="top"> + + <p>A Storm on the Lake</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="22%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#X">X</a></p></td> + + <td width="78%" valign="top"> + + <p>A Retrospect</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="22%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#XI">XI</a></p></td> + + <td width="78%" valign="top"> + + <p>Along the Coast</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="22%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#XII">XII</a></p></td> + + <td width="78%" valign="top"> + + <p>The Midnight Sun</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="22%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#XIII">XIII</a></p></td> + + <td width="78%" valign="top"> + + <p>Fort Hope</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="22%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#XIV">XIV</a></p></td> + + <td width="78%" valign="top"> + + <p>Some Excursions</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="22%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#XV">XV</a></p></td> + + <td width="78%" valign="top"> + + <p>Fifteen Miles from Cape Bathurst</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="22%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#XVI">XVI</a></p></td> + + <td width="78%" valign="top"> + + <p>Two Shots</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="22%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#XVII">XVII</a></p></td> + + <td width="78%" valign="top"> + + <p>The Approach of Winter</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="22%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#XVIII">XVIII</a></p></td> + + <td width="78%" valign="top"> + + <p>The Polar Night</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="22%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#XIX">XIX</a></p></td> + + <td width="78%" valign="top"> + + <p>A Neighbourly Visit</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="22%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#XX">XX</a></p></td> + + <td width="78%" valign="top"> + + <p>Mercury Freezes</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="22%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#XXI">XXI</a></p></td> + + <td width="78%" valign="top"> + + <p>The Large Polar Bears</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="22%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#XXII">XXII</a></p></td> + + <td width="78%" valign="top"> + + <p>Five Months More</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="22%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#XXIII">XXIII</a></p></td> + + <td width="78%" valign="top"> + + <p>The Eclipse of the 18th June 1860</p></td></tr></tbody></table><br> + +<hr> + +<br> + +<a name="I" id="I"></a> + +<h4>CHAPTER I.</h4> + +<h4><i>A SOIREE AT FORT RELIANCE.</i></h4> + +<p>On the evening of the 17th March 1859, Captain Craventy gave a fete at Fort + +Reliance. Our readers must not at once imagine a grand entertainment, such as a + +court ball, or a musical soiree with a fine orchestra. Captain Craventy's + +reception was a very simple affair, yet he had spared no pains to give it + +<i>eclat</i>.</p> + +<p>In fact, under the auspices of Corporal Joliffe, the large room on the + +ground-floor was completely transformed. The rough walls, constructed of + +roughly-hewn trunks of trees piled up horizontally, were still visible, it is + +true, but their nakedness was disguised by arms and armour, borrowed from the + +arsenal of the fort, and by an English tent at each corner of the room. Two + +lamps suspended by chains, like chandeliers, and provided with tin reflectors, + +relieved the gloomy appearance of the blackened beams of the ceiling, and + +sufficiently illuminated the misty atmosphere of the room. The narrow windows, + +some of them mere loop-holes, were so encrusted with hoar-frost, that it was + +impossible to look through them; but two or three pieces of red bunting, tastily + +arranged about them, challenged the admiration of all who entered. The floor, of + +rough joists of wood laid parallel with each other, had been carefully swept by + +Corporal Joliffe. No sofas, chairs, or other modern furniture, impeded the free + +circulation of the guests. Wooden benches half fixed against the walls, huge + +blocks of wood cut with the axe, and two tables with clumsy legs, were all the + +appliances of luxury the saloon could boast of. But the partition wall, with a + +narrow door leading into the next room, was decorated in a style alike costly + +and picturesque. From the beams hung magnificent furs admirably arranged, the + +equal of which could not be seen in the more favoured regions of Regent Street + +or the Perspective-Newski. It seemed as if the whole fauna of the ice-bound + +North were here represented by their finest skins. The eye wandered from the + +furs of wolves, grey bears, polar bears, otters, wolverenes, beavers, muskrats, + +water pole-cats, ermines, and silver foxes; and above this display was an + +inscription in brilliantly-coloured and artistically shaped cardboard-the motto + +of the world-famous Hudson's Bay Company-</p> + +<p align="center">"PROPELLE CUTUM."</p> + +<p>"Really, Corporal Joliffe, you have surpassed yourself !" said Captain + +Craventy to his subordinate.</p> + +<p>"I think I have, I think I have !" replied the Corporal; "but honour to whom + +honour is due, Mrs Joliffe deserves part of your commendation; she assisted me + +in everything."</p> + +<p>"A wonderful woman, Corporal."</p> + +<p>"Her equal is not to be found, Captain."</p> + +<p>An immense brick and earthenware stove occupied the centre of the room, with + +a huge iron pipe passing from it through the ceiling, and conducting the dense + +black smoke into the outer air. This stove contained a roaring fire constantly + +fed with fresh shovelfuls of coal by the stoker, an old soldier specially + +appointed to the service. Now and then a gust of wind drove back a volume of + +smoke into the room, dimming the brightness of the lamps, and adding fresh + +blackness to the beams of the ceiling, whilst tongues of flame shot forth from + +the stove. But the guests of Fort Reliance thought little of this slight + +inconvenience; the stove warmed them, and they could not pay too dearly for its + +cheering heat, so terribly cold was it outside in the cutting north wind.</p> + +<p>The storm could be heard raging without, the snow fell fast, becoming rapidly + +solid and coating the already frosted window panes with fresh ice. The whistling + +wind made its way through the cranks and chinks of the doors and windows, and + +occasionally the rattling noise drowned every other sound. Presently an awful + +silence ensued. Nature seemed to be taking breath; but suddenly the squall + +recommenced with terrific fury. The house was shaken to its foundations, the + +planks cracked, the beams groaned. A stranger less accustomed than the + +<i>habitues</i> of the fort to the war of the elements, would have asked if the + +end of the world were come.</p> + +<p>But, with two exceptions, Captain Craventy's guests troubled themselves + +little about the weather, and if they had been outside they would have felt no + +more fear than the stormy petrels disporting themselves in the midst of the + +tempest. Two only of the assembled company did not belong to the ordinary + +society of the neighbourhood, two women, whom we shall introduce when we have + +enumerated Captain Craventy's other guests: these were, Lieutenant Jaspar + +Hobson, Sergeant Long, Corporal Joliffe, and his bright active Canadian wife, a + +certain Mac-Nab and his wife, both Scotch, John Rae, married to an Indian woman + +of the country, and some sixty soldiers or employes of the Hudson's Bay Company. + +The neighbouring forts also furnished their contingent of guests, for in these + +remote lands people look upon each other as neighbours although their homes may + +be a hundred miles apart. A good many employes or traders came from Fort + +Providence or Fort Resolution, of the Great Slave Lake district, and even from + +Fort Chippeway and Fort Liard further south. A rare break like this in the + +monotony of their secluded lives, in these hyberborean regions, was joyfully + +welcomed by all the exiles, and even a few Indian chiefs, about a dozen, had + +accepted Captain Craventy's invitation. They were not, however, accompanied by + +their wives, the luckless squaws being still looked upon as little better than + +slaves. The presence of these natives is accounted for by the fact that they are + +in constant intercourse with the traders, and supply the greater number of furs + +which pass through the hands of the Hudson's Bay Company, in exchange for other + +commodities. They are mostly Chippeway Indians, well grown men with hardy + +constitutions. Their complexions are of the peculiar reddish black colour always + +ascribed in Europe to the evil spirits of fairyland. They wear very picturesque + +cloaks of skins and mantles of fur, with a head-dress of eagle's feathers spread + +out like a lady's fan, and quivering with every motion of their thick black + +hair.</p> + +<p>Such was the company to whom the Captain was doing the honours of Fort + +Reliance. There was no dancing for want of music, but the "buffet" admirably + +supplied the want of the hired musicians of the European balls. On the table + +rose a pyramidal pudding made by Mrs Joliffe's own hands; it was an immense + +truncated cone, composed of flour, fat, rein-deer venison, and musk beef. The + +eggs, milk, and citron prescribed in recipe books were, it is true, wanting, but + +their absence was atoned for by its huge proportions. Mrs Joliffe served out + +slice after slice with liberal hands, yet there remained enough and to spare. + +Piles of sandwiches also figured on the table, in which ship biscuits took the + +place of thin slices of English bread and butter, and dainty morsels of corned + +beef that of the ham and stuffed veal of the old world. The sharp teeth of the + +Chippeway Indians made short work of the tough biscuits; and for drink there was + +plenty of whisky and gin handed round in little pewter pots, not to speak of a + +great bowl of punch which was to close the entertainment, and of which the + +Indians talked long afterwards in their wigwams.</p> + +<p>Endless were the compliments paid to the Joliffes that evening, but they + +deserved them; how zealously they waited on the guests, with what easy grace + +they distributed the refreshments! They did not need prompting, they anticipated + +the wishes of each one. The sandwiches were succeeded by slices of the + +inexhaustible pudding, the pudding by glasses of gin or whisky.</p> + +<p>"No, thank you, Mr Joliffe."</p> + +<p>"You are too good, Corporal; but let me have time to breathe."</p> + +<p>"Mrs Joliffe, I assure you, I can eat no more."</p> + +<p>"Corporal Joliffe, I am at your mercy."</p> + +<p>"No more, Mrs Joliffe, no more, thank you!"</p> + +<p>Such were the replies met with on every side by the zealous pair, but their + +powers of persuasion were such that the most reluctant yielded in the end. The + +quantities of food and drink consumed were really enormous. The hubbub of + +conversation increased. The soldiery and employes became excited. Here the talk + +was of hunting, there of trade. What plans were laid for next season! The entire + +fauna of the Arctic regions would scarcely supply game enough for these + +enterprising hunters. They already saw bears, foxes, and musk oxen, falling + +beneath their bullets, and pole-cats by hundreds caught in their traps. Their + +imagination pictured the costly furs piled up in the magazines of the Company, + +which was this year to realise hitherto unheard of profits. And whilst the + +spirits thus freely circulated inflamed the imagination of the Europeans, the + +large doses of Captain Craventy's "fire-water" imbibed by the Indians had an + +opposite effect. Too proud to show admiration, too cautious to make promises, + +the taciturn chiefs listened gravely and silently to the babel of voices around + +them.</p> + +<p>The captain enjoying the hurly burly, and pleased to see the poor people, + +brought back as it were to the civilised world, enjoying themselves so + +thoroughly, was here, there, and everywhere, answering all inquiries about the + +fete with the words</p> + +<p>"Ask Joliffe, ask Joliffe !"</p> + +<p>And they asked Joliffe, who had a gracious word for every body.</p> + +<p>Some of those employed in the garrison and civil service of Fort Reliance + +must here receive a few words of special notice, for they were presently to go + +through experiences of a most terrible nature, which no human perspicacity could + +possibly have foreseen. Amongst others we must name Lieutenant Jaspar Hobson, + +Sergeant Long, Corporal and Mrs Joliffe, and the two foreign women already + +alluded to, in whose honour Captain Craventy's fete was given.</p> + +<p>Jaspar Hobson was a man of forty years of age. He was short and slight, with + +little muscular power; but a force of will which carried him successfully + +through all trials, and enabled him to rise superior to adverse circumstances. + +He was " a child of the Company." His father, Major Hobson, an Irishman from + +Dublin, who had now been dead for some time, lived for many years at Fort + +Assiniboin with his wife. There Jaspar Hobson was born. His childhood and youth + +were spent at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. His father brought him up + +strictly, and he became a man in self-control and courage whilst yet a boy in + +years. Jaspar Hobson was no mere hunter, but a soldier, a brave and intelligent + +officer. During the struggles in Oregon of the Hudson's Bay Company with the + +rival companies of the Union, he distinguished himself by his zeal and + +intrepidity, and rapidly rose to the rank of lieutenant. His well-known merit + +led to his appointment to the command of an expedition to the north, the aim of + +which was to explore the northern shores of the Great Bear Lake, and to found a + +fort on the confines of the American continent. Jaspar Hobson was to set out on + +his journey early in April.</p> + +<p>If the lieutenant was the type of a good officer, Sergeant Long was that of a + +good soldier. He was a man of fifty years of age, with a rough beard that looked + +as if it were made of cocoa-nut fibre. Constitutionally brave, and disposed to + +obey rather than to command. He had no ambition but to obey the orders he + +received never questioning them, however strange they might appear, never + +reasoning for himself when on duty for the Company-a true machine in uniform; + +but a perfect machine, never wearing out; ever on the march, yet never showing + +signs of fatigue. Perhaps Sergeant Long was rather hard upon his men, as he was + +upon himself. He would not tolerate the slightest infraction of discipline, and + +mercilessly ordered men into confinement for the slightest neglect, whilst he + +himself had never been reprimanded. In a word, he was a man born to obey, and + +this self-annihilation suited his passive temperament. Men such as he are the + +materials of which a formidable army is formed. They are the arms of the + +service, obeying a single head. Is not this the only really powerful + +organisation? The two types of fabulous mythology, Briareus with a hundred arms + +and Hydra with a hundred heads, well represent the two kinds of armies; and in a + +conflict between them, which would be victorious? Briareus without a doubt !</p> + +<p>We have already made acquaintance with Corporal Joliffe. He was the busy bee + +of the party, but it was pleasant to hear him humming. He would have made a + +better major-domo than a soldier; and he was himself aware of this. So he called + +himself the " Corporal in charge of details," but he would have lost himself a + +hundred times amongst these details, had not little Mrs Joliffe guided him with + +a firm hand. So it came to pass, that Corporal Joliffe obeyed his wife without + +owning it, doubtless thinking to himself, like the philosopher Sancho, "a + +woman's advice is no such great thing, but he must be a fool who does not listen + +to it."</p> + +<p>It is now time to say a few words of the two foreign women already alluded to + +more than once. They were both about forty years old, and one of them well + +deserved to take first rank amongst celebrated female travellers. The name of + +Paulina Barnett, the rival of the Pfeiffers, Tinnis, and Haimaires of Hull, has + +been several times honourably mentioned at the meetings of the Royal + +Geographical Society. In her journeys up the Brahmaputra, as far as the + +mountains of Thibet, across an unknown corner of New Holland, from Swan Bay to + +the Gulf of Carpentaria, Paulina Barnett had given proof of the qualities of a + +great traveller. She had been a widow for fifteen years, and her passion for + +travelling led her constantly to explore new lands. She was tall, and her face, + +framed in long braids of hair, already touched with white, was full of energy. + +She was near-sighted, and a double eye-glass rested upon her long straight nose, + +with its mobile nostrils. We must confess that her walk was somewhat masculine, + +and her whole appearance was suggestive of moral power, rather than of female + +grace. She was an Englishwoman from Yorkshire, possessed of some fortune, the + +greater part of which was expended in adventurous expeditions, and some new + +scheme of exploration had now brought her to Fort Reliance. Having crossed the + +equinoctial regions, she was doubtless anxious to penetrate to the extreme + +limits of the hyperborean. Her presence at the fort was an event. The governor + +of the Company had given her a special letter of recommendation to Captain + +Craventy, according to which the latter was to do all in his power to forward + +the design of the celebrated traveller to reach the borders of the Arctic Ocean. + +A grand enterprise! To follow in the steps of Hearne, Mackenzie, Rae, Franklin, + +and others. What fatigues, what trials, what dangers would have to be gone + +through in the conflict with the terrible elements of the Polar climate! How + +could a woman dare to venture where so many explorers have drawn back or + +perished? But the stranger now shut up in Fort Reliance was no ordinary woman; + +she was Paulina Barnett, a laureate of the Royal Society.</p> + +<p>We must add that the celebrated traveller was accompanied by a servant named + +Madge. This faithful creature was not merely a servant, but a devoted and + +courageous friend, who lived only for her mistress. A Scotchwoman of the old + +type, whom a Caleb might have married without loss of dignity. Madge was about + +five years older than Mrs Barnett, and was tall and strongly built. The two were + +on the most intimate terms; Paulina looked upon Madge as an elder sister, and + +Madge treated Paulina as her daughter.</p> + +<p>It was in honour of Paulina Barnett that Captain Craventy was this evening + +treating his employes and the Chippeway Indians. In fact, the lady traveller was + +to join the expedition of Jaspar Hobson for the exploration of the north. It was + +for Paulina Barnett that the large saloon of the factory resounded with joyful + +hurrahs. And it was no wonder that the stove consumed a hundredweight of coal on + +this memorable evening, for the cold outside was twenty-four degrees Fahrenheit + +below zero, and Fort Reliance is situated in 61? 47' N. Lat., at least four + +degrees from the Polar circle.</p> +<a name="II" id="II"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER II.</h4> + +<h4><i>THE HUDSON'S BAY FUR COMPANY</i>.</h4> + +<p>"Captain Craventy?"</p> + +<p>"Mrs Barnett?"</p> + +<p>What do you think of your Lieutenant, Jaspar Hobson?"</p> + +<p>"I think he is an officer who will go far."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean by the words, Will go far? Do you mean that he will go + +beyond the Twenty-fourth parallel?"</p> + +<p>Captain Craventy could not help smiling at Mrs Paulina Barnett's question. + +They were talking together near the stove, whilst the guests were passing + +backwards and forwards between the eating and drinking tables.</p> + +<p>"Madam," replied the Captain, "all that a man can do, will be done by Jaspar + +Hobson. The Company has charged him to explore the north of their possessions, + +and to establish a factory as near as possible to the confines of the American + +continent, and he will establish it."</p> + +<p>"That is a great responsibility for Lieutenant Hobson !" said the + +traveller.</p> + +<p>"It is, madam, but Jaspar Hobson has never yet drawn back from a task imposed + +upon him, however formidable it may have appeared."</p> + +<p>"I can quite believe it, Captain," replied Mrs Barnett, "and we shall now see + +the Lieutenant at work. But what induces the Company to construct a fort on the + +shores of the Arctic Ocean?"</p> + +<p>"They have a powerful motive, madam," replied the Captain.</p> + +<p>"I may add a double motive. At no very distant date, Russia will probably + +cede her American possessions to the Government of the United States. [*1] When + +this cession has taken place, the Company will find access to the Pacific Ocean + +extremely difficult, unless the North-west passage discovered by Mc'Clure be + +practicable. [*1 Captain Craventy's prophecy has since been realised.] Fresh + +explorations will decide this, for the Admiralty is about to send a vessel which + +will coast along the North American continent, from Behring Strait to Coronation + +Gulf, on the eastern side of which the new-Art is to be established. If the + +enterprise succeed, this point will become an important factory, the centre of + +the northern fur trade. The transport of furs across the Indian territories + +involves a vast expenditure of time and money, whereas, if the new route be + +available, steamers will take them from the new fort to the Pacific Ocean in a + +few days."</p> + +<p>"That would indeed be an important result of the enterprise, if this + +North-west passage can really be used," replied Mrs Paulina Barnett; "but I + +think you spoke of a double motive."</p> + +<p>"I did, madam," said the Captain, "and I alluded to a matter of vital + +interest to the Company. But I must beg of you to allow me to explain to you in + +a few words how the present state of things came about, how it is in fact that + +the very source of the trade of this once flourishing Company is in danger of + +destruction."</p> + +<p>The Captain then proceeded to give a brief sketch of the history of the + +famous Hudson's Bay Company.</p> + +<p>In the earliest times men employed the skins and furs of animals as clothing. + +The fur trade is therefore of very great antiquity. Luxury in dress increased to + +such an extent, that sumptuary laws were enacted to control too great + +extravagance, especially in furs, for which there was a positive passion. Vair + +and the furs of Siberian squirrels were prohibited at the middle of the 12th + +century.</p> + +<p>In 1553 Russia founded several establishments in the northern steppes, and + +England lost no time in following her example. The trade in sables, ermines, and + +beavers, was carried on through the agency of the Samoiedes; but during the + +reign of Elizabeth, a royal decree restricted the use of costly furs to such an + +extent, that for several years this branch of industry was completely + +paralysed.</p> + +<p>On the 2nd May, 1670, a licence to trade in furs in the Hudson's Bay + +Territory was granted to the Company, which numbered several men of high rank + +amongst its shareholders : the Duke of York, the Duke of Albemarle, the Earl of + +Shaftesbury, &c. Its capital was then only ?8420. Private companies were + +formidable rivals to its success; and French agents, making Canada their + +headquarters, ventured on hazardous but most lucrative expeditions. The active + +competition of these bold hunters threatened the very existence of the infant + +Company.</p> + +<p>The conquest of Canada, however, somewhat lessened the danger of its + +position. Three years after the taking of Quebec, 1776, the fur trade received a + +new impulse. English traders became familiar with the difficulties of trade of + +this kind; they learned the customs of the country, the ways of the Indians and + +their system of exchange of goods, but for all this the Company as yet made no + +profits whatever. Moreover, towards 1784 some merchants of Montreal combined to + +explore the fur country, and founded that powerful North-west Company, which + +soon became the centre of the fur trade. In 1798 the new Company shipped furs to + +the value of no less than ?120,000, and the existence of the Hudson's Bay + +Company was again threatened.</p> + +<p>We must add, that the North-west Company shrank from no act, however + +iniquitous, if its interests were at stake. Its agents imposed on their own + +employes, speculated on the misery of the Indians, robbed them when they had + +themselves made them drunk, setting at defiance the Act of Parliament forbidding + +the sale of spirituous liquors on Indian territory; and consequently realising + +immense profits, in spite of the competition of the various Russian and American + +companies which had sprung up-the American Fur Company amongst others, founded + +in 1809, with a capital of a million of dollars, which was carrying on + +operations on the west of the Rocky Mountains.</p> + +<p>The Hudson's Bay Company was probably in greater danger of ruin than any + +other; but in 1821, after much discussion, a treaty was made, in accordance with + +which its old rival the North-west Company became amalgamated with it, the two + +receiving the common title of "The Hudson's Bay Fur Company."</p> + +<p>Now the only rival of this important association is the American St Louis Fur + +Company. The Hudson's Bay Company has numerous establishments scattered over a + +domain extending over 3,700,000 square miles. Its principal factories are + +situated on James Bay, at the mouth of the Severn, in the south, and towards the + +frontiers of Upper Canada, on Lakes Athapeskow, Winnipeg, Superior, Methye, + +Buffalo, and near the Colombia, Mackenzie, Saskatchewan, and Assiniboin rivers, + +&c. Fort York, commanding the course of the river Nelson, is the + +headquarters of the Company, and contains its principal fur depot. Moreover, in + +1842 it took a lease of all the Russian establishments in North America at an + +annual rent of ?40,000, so that it is now working on its own account the vast + +tracts of country between the Mississippi and the Pacific Ocean. It has sent out + +intrepid explorers in every direction: Hearne, towards the Polar Sea, in 1770, + +to the discovery of the Coppermine River; Franklin, in 1819 to 1822, along 5550 + +miles of the American coast; Mackenzie, who, after having discovered the river + +to which he gave his name, reached the shores of the Pacific at 52? 24' N. Lat. + +The following is a list of the quantities of skins and furs despatched to Europe + +by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1833-34, which will give an exact idea of the + +extent of its trade:-</p><pre> Beavers . . . . . . . . . . . 1,074 + + Skins and young Beavers,. . 92,288 + + Musk Rats,. . . . . . . . . 694,092 + + Badgers,. . . . . . . . . . 1,069 + + Bears,. . . . . . . . . . . 7,451 + + Ermines,. . . . . . . . . . 491 + + Foxes, . . . . . . . . . . . 9,937 + + Lynxes, . . . . . . . . . . 14,255 + + Sables, . . . . . . . . . . 64,490 + + Polecats, . . . . . . . . . 25,100 + + Otters, . . . . . . . . . . 22,303 + + Racoons,. . . . . . . . . . 713 + + Swans, . . . . . . . . . . 7,918 + + Wolves, . . . . . . . . . . 8,484 + + Wolverines, . . . . . . . . 1,571 + +</pre> + +<p>Such figures ought to bring in a large profit to the Hudson's Bay Company, + +but unfortunately they have not been maintained, and for the last twenty years + +have been decreasing.</p> + +<p>The cause of this decline was the subject of Captain Craventy's explanation + +to Mrs Paulina Barnett.</p> + +<p>"Until 1839, madam," said he, "the Company was in a flourishing condition. In + +that year the number of furs exported was 2,350,000, but since then the trade + +has gradually declined, and this number is now reduced by one-half at + +least."</p> + +<p>"But what do you suppose is the cause of this extraordinary decrease in the + +exportation of furs?" inquired Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>"The depopulation of the hunting territories, caused by the activity, and, I + +must add, the want of foresight of the hunters. The game was trapped and killed + +without mercy. These massacres were conducted in the most reckless and + +short-sighted fashion. Even females with young and their little ones did not + +escape. The consequence is, that the animals whose fur is valuable have become + +extremely rare. The otter has almost entirely disappeared, and is only to be + +found near the islands of the North Pacific. Small colonies of beavers have + +taken refuge on the shores of the most distant rivers. It is the same with many + +other animals, compelled to flee before the invasion of the hunters. The traps, + +once crowded with game, are now empty. The price of skins is rising just when a + +great demand exists for furs. Hunters have gone away in disgust, leaving none + +but the most intrepid and indefatigable, who now penetrate to the very confines + +of the American continent."</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Mrs Paulina Barnett, "the fact of the fur-bearing animals having + +taken refuge beyond the polar circle, is a sufficient explanation of the + +Company's motive in founding a factory on the borders of the Arctic Ocean."</p> + +<p>"Not only so, madam," replied the Captain, "the Company is also compelled to + +seek a more northern centre of operations, for an Act of Parliament has lately + +greatly reduced its domain."</p> + +<p>"And the motive for this reduction?" inquired the traveller.</p> + +<p>"A very important question of political economy was involved, madam; one + +which could not fail greatly to interest the statesmen of Great Britain. In a + +word, the interests of the Company and those of civilisation are antagonistic. + +It is to the interest of the Company to keep the territory belonging to it in a + +wild uncultivated condition. Every attempt at clearing ground was pitilessly put + +a stop to, as it drove away the wild animals, so that the monopoly enjoyed by + +the Hudson's Bay Company was detrimental to all agricultural enterprise. All + +questions not immediately relating to their own particular trade, were + +relentlessly put aside by the governors of the association. It was this + +despotic, and, in a certain sense, immoral system, which provoked the measures + +taken by Parliament, and, in 1837, a commission appointed by the Colonial + +Secretary decided that it was necessary to annex to Canada all the territories + +suitable for cultivation, such as the Red River and Saskatchewan districts, and + +to leave to the Company only that portion of its land which appeared to be + +incapable of future civilisation. The next year the Company lost the western + +slopes of the Rocky Mountains, which it held direct from the Colonial Office, + +and you will now understand, madam, how the agents of the Company, having lost + +their power over their old territories, are determined before giving up their + +trade to try to work the little known countries of the north, and so open a + +communication with the Pacific by means of the North-west passage."</p> + +<p>Mrs Paulina Barnett was now well informed as to the ulterior projects of the + +celebrated Company. Captain Craventy had given her a graphic sketch of the + +situation, and it is probable he would have entered into further details, had + +not an incident cut short his harangue.</p> + +<p>Corporal Joliffe announced in a loud voice that, with Mrs Joliffe's + +assistance, he was about to mix the punch. This news was received as it + +deserved. The bowl-or rather, the basin-was filled with the precious liquid. It + +contained no less than ten pints of coarse rum. Sugar, measured out by Mrs + +Joliffe, was piled up at the bottom, and on the top floated slices of lemon + +shrivelled with age. Nothing remained to be done but to light this alcoholic + +lake, and the Corporal, match in hand, awaited the order of his Captain, as if + +he were about to spring a mine.</p> + +<p>"All right, Joliffe !" at last said Captain Craventy.</p> + +<p>The light was applied to the bowl, and in a moment the punch was in flames, + +whilst the guests applauded and clapped their hands. Ten minutes afterwards, + +full glasses of the delightful beverage were circulating amongst the guests, + +fresh bidders for them coming forward in endless succession, like speculators on + +the Stock Exchange.</p> + +<p>"Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah! three cheers for Mrs Barnett! A cheer for the + +Captain."</p> + +<p>In the midst of these joyful shouts cries were heard from outside. Silence + +immediately fell upon the company assembled.</p> + +<p>"Sergeant Long," said the Captain, "go and see what is the matter."</p> + +<p>And at his chief's order, the Sergeant, leaving his glass unfinished, left + +the room.</p> +<a name="III" id="III"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER III.</h4> + +<h4><i>A SAVANT THAWED.</i></h4> + +<p>Sergeant Long hastened to the narrow passage from which opened the outer door + +of the fort, and heard the cries redoubled, and combined with violent blows on + +the postern gate, surrounded by high walls, which gave access to the court. The + +Sergeant pushed open the door, and plunging into the snow, already a foot deep; + +he waded through it, although half-blinded by the cutting sleet, and nipped by + +the terrible cold.</p> + +<p>"What the devil does any one want at this time of night?" exclaimed the + +Sergeant to himself, as he mechanically removed the heavy bars of the gate; + +"none but Esquimaux would dare to brave such a temperature as this!"</p> + +<p>"Open! open! open!" they shouted from without.</p> + +<p>"I am opening," replied Sergeant Long, who really seemed to be a long time + +about it.</p> + +<p>At last the door swung open, and the Sergeant was almost upset by a sledge, + +drawn by six dogs, which dashed past him like a flash of lightning. Worthy + +Sergeant Long only just escaped being crushed, but he got up without a murmur, + +closed the gate, and returned to the house at his ordinary pace, that is to say, + +at the rate of seventy-five strides a minute.</p> + +<p>But Captain Craventy, Lieutenant Jaspar Hobson, and Corporal Joliffe were + +already outside, braving the intense cold, and staring at the sledge, white with + +snow, which had just drawn up in front of them.</p> + +<p>A man completely enveloped in furs now descended from it,</p> + +<p>"Fort Reliance?;" he inquired.</p> + +<p>"The same," replied the Captain.</p> + +<p>"Captain Craventy?"</p> + +<p>"Behold him! Who are you?"</p> + +<p>"A courier of the Company."</p> + +<p>"Are you alone?"</p> + +<p>"No, I bring a traveller."</p> + +<p>"A traveller! And what does he want?"</p> + +<p>"He is come to see the moon."</p> + +<p>At this reply, Captain Craventy said to himself the man must be a fool. But + +there was no time to announce this opinion, for the courier had taken an inert + +mass from the sledge, a kind of bag covered with snow, and was about to carry it + +into the house, when the Captain inquired</p> + +<p>"What is that bag?"</p> + +<p>"It is my traveller," replied the courier.</p> + +<p>"Who is this traveller?"</p> + +<p>"The astronomer, Thomas Black."</p> + +<p>"But he is frozen."</p> + +<p>"Well, he must be thawed."</p> + +<p>Thomas Black, carried by the Sergeant, the Corporal, and the courier, now + +made his entrance into the house of the fort, and was taken to a room on the + +first floor, the temperature of which was bearable, thanks to a glowing stove. + +He was laid upon a bed, and the Captain took his hand.</p> + +<p>It was literally frozen. The wrappers and furred mantles, in which Thomas + +Black was rolled up like a parcel requiring care, were removed, and revealed a + +man of about fifty. He was short and stout, his hair was already touched with + +grey, his beard was untrimmed, his eyes were closed, and his lips pressed + +together as if glued to one another. If he breathed at all, it was so slightly + +that the frost-work on the windows would not have been affected by it. Joliffe + +undressed him, and turned him rapidly on to his face and back again, with the + +words-</p> + +<p>"Come, come, sir, when do you mean to return to consciousness?"</p> + +<p>But the visitor who had arrived in so strange a manner showed no signs of + +returning life, and Corporal Joliffe could think of no better means to restore + +the lost vital heat than to give him a bath in the bowl of hot punch.</p> + +<p>Very happily for Thomas Black, however, Lieutenant Jaspar Hobson had another + +idea.</p> + +<p>"Snow, bring snow!" he cried.</p> + +<p>There was plenty of it in the court of Fort Reliance; and whilst the Sergeant + +went to fetch the snow, Joliffe removed all the astronomer's clothes. The body + +of the unfortunate man was covered with white frost-bitten patches. It was + +urgently necessary to restore the circulation of the blood in the affected + +portions. This result Jaspar Hobson hoped to obtain by vigorous friction with + +the snow. We know that this is the means generally employed in the polar + +countries to set going afresh the circulation of the blood arrested by the + +intense cold, even as the rivers are arrested in their courses by the icy touch + +of winter. Sergeant Loin soon returned, and he and Joliffe gave the new arrival + +such a rubbing as he had probably never before received. It was no soft and + +agreeable friction, but a vigorous shampooing most lustily performed, more like + +the scratching of a curry-comb than the caresses of a human hand.</p> + +<p>And during the operation the loquacious Corporal continued to exhort the + +unconscious traveller.</p> + +<p>"Come, come, sir. What do you mean by getting frozen like this. Now, don't be + +so obstinate !"</p> + +<p>Probably it was obstinacy which kept Thomas Black from deigning to show a + +sign of life. At the end of half an hour the rubbers began to despair, and were + +about to discontinue their exhausting efforts, when the poor man sighed several + +times.</p> + +<p>"He lives; he is coming to !" cried Jaspar Hobson.</p> + +<p>After having warmed the outside of his body, Corporal Joliffe hurried to do + +the same for the inside, and hastily fetched a few glasses of the punch. The + +traveller really felt much revived by them; the colour returned to his cheeks, + +expression to his eyes, and words to his lips, so that Captain Craventy began to + +hope that he should have an explanation from Thomas Black himself of his strange + +arrival at the fort in such a terrible condition.</p> + +<p>At last the traveller, well covered with wraps, rose on his elbow, and said + +in a voice still faint</p> + +<p>"Fort Reliance?"</p> + +<p>"The same," replied the Captain.</p> + +<p>"Captain Craventy?"</p> + +<p>"He is before you, and is happy to bid you welcome. But may I inquire what + +brings you to Fort Reliance?"</p> + +<p>"He is come to see the moon," replied the courier, who evidently thought this + +a happy answer.</p> + +<p>It satisfied Thomas Black too, for he bent his head in assent and + +resumed-</p> + +<p>"Lieutenant Hobson?"</p> + +<p>"I am here," replied the Lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"You have not yet started?"</p> + +<p>"Not. yet, sir."</p> + +<p>"Then," replied Thomas Black, "I have only to thank you, and to go to sleep + +until to-morrow morning."</p> + +<p>The Captain and his companions retired, leaving their strange visitor to his + +repose. Half an hour later the <i>fete</i> was at an end, and the guests had + +regained their respective homes, either in the different rooms of the fort, or + +the scattered houses outside the enceinte.</p> + +<p>The next day Thomas Black was rather better. His vigorous constitution had + +thrown off the effects of the terrible chill he had had. Any one else would have + +died from it; but he was not like other men.</p> + +<p>And now who was this astronomer? Where did he come from? Why had he + +undertaken this journey across the territories of the Company in the depth of + +winter? What did the courier's reply signify?- To see the moon! The moon could + +be seen anywhere; there was no need to come to the hyperborean regions to look + +at it!</p> + +<p>Such were the thoughts which passed through Captain Craventy's mind. But the + +next day, after an hour's talk with his new guest, he had learned all he wished + +to know.</p> + +<p>Thomas Black was an astronomer attached to the Greenwich Observatory, so + +brilliantly presided over by Professor Airy. Mr Black was no theorist, but a + +sagacious and intelligent observer; and in the twenty years during which he had + +devoted himself to astronomy, he had rendered great services to the science of + +ouranography. In private life he was a simple nonentity; he existed only for + +astronomy; he lived in the heavens, not upon the earth; and was a true + +descendant of the witty La Fontaine's savant who fell into a well. He could talk + +of nothing but stars and constellations. He ought to have lived in a telescope. + +As an observer be had not his rival; his patience was inexhaustible; he could + +watch for months for a cosmical phenomenon. He had a specialty of his own, too; + +he had studied luminous meteors and shooting stars, and his discoveries in this + +branch of astronomical science were considerable. When ever minute observations + +or exact measurements and definitions were required, Thomas Black was chosen for + +the service; for his clearness of sight was something remarkable. The power of + +observation is not given to everyone, and it will not therefore be surprising + +that the Greenwich astronomer should have been chosen for the mission we are + +about to describe, which involved results so interesting for selenographic + +science.</p> + +<p>We know that during a total eclipse of the sun the moon is surrounded by a + +luminous corona. But what is the origin of this corona? Is it a real substance? + +or is it only an effect of the diffraction of the sun's rays near the moon? This + +is a question which science has hitherto been unable to answer.</p> + +<p>As early as 1706 this luminous halo was scientifically described. The corona + +was minutely examined during the total eclipse of 1715 by Lonville and Halley, + +by Maraldi in 1724, by Antonio de'Ulloa in 1778, and by Bonditch and Ferrer in + +1806; but their theories were so contradictory that no definite conclusion could + +be arrived at. During the total eclipse of 1842, learned men of all + +nations-Airy, Arago, Keytal, Langier, Mauvais, Otto, Struve, Petit, Baily, + +&c.-endeavoured to solve the mystery of the origin of the phenomenon; but in + +spite of all their efforts, "the disagreement," says Arago, "of the observations + +taken in different places by skilful astronomers of one and the same eclipse, + +have involved the question in fresh obscurity, so that it is now impossible to + +come to any certain conclusion as to the cause of the phenomenon." Since this + +was written, other total eclipses have been studied with no better results.</p> + +<p>Yet the solution of the question is of such vast importance to selenographic + +science that no price would be too great to pay for it. A fresh opportunity was + +now about to occur to study the much-discussed corona. A total eclipse of the + +sun-total, at least, for the extreme north of America, for Spain and North + +Africa-was to take place on July 18th, 1860. It was arranged between the + +astronomers of different countries that simultaneous observations should be + +taken at the various points of the zone where the eclipse would be total. Thomas + +Black was chosen for the expedition to North America, and was now much in the + +same situation as the English astronomers who were transported to Norway and + +Sweden on the occasion of the eclipse of 1851.</p> + +<p>It will readily be imagined that Thomas Black seized with avidity the + +opportunity offered him of studying this luminous halo. He was also to examine + +into the nature of the red prominences which appear on different parts of the + +edge of the terrestrial satellite when the totality of the eclipse has + +commenced; and should he be able satisfactorily to establish their origin, he + +would be entitled to the applause of the learned men of all Europe.</p> + +<p>Thomas Black eagerly prepared for his journey. He obtained urgent letters of + +recommendation to the principal agents of the Hudson's Bay Company. He + +ascertained that an expedition was to go to the extreme north of the continent + +to found a new fort. It was an opportunity not to be lost; so he set out, + +crossed the Atlantic, landed at New York, traversed the lakes to the Red River + +settlement, and pressed on from fort to fort in a sledge, under the escort of a + +courier of the Company; in spite of the severity of the winter, braving all the + +dangers of a journey across the Arctic regions, and arriving at Fort Reliance on + +the 19th March in the condition we have described.</p> + +<p>Such was the explanation given by the astronomer to Captain Craventy. He at + +once placed himself entirely at Mr Black's service, but could not refrain from + +inquiring why he had been in such a great hurry to arrive, when the eclipse was + +not to take place until the following year, 1860?</p> + +<p>"But, Captain," replied the astronomer, "I heard that the Company was sending + +an expedition along the northern coast of America, and I did not wish to miss + +the departure of Lieutenant Hobson."</p> + +<p>"Mr Black," replied the Captain, "if the Lieutenant had already started, I + +should have felt it my duty to accompany you myself to the shores of the Polar + +Sea."</p> + +<p>And with fresh assurances of his willingness to serve him, the Captain again + +bade his new guest welcome to Fort Reliance.</p> +<a name="IV" id="IV"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER IV.</h4> + +<h4><i>A FACTORY.</i></h4> + +<p>One of the largest of the lakes beyond the 61st parallel is that called the + +Great Slave Lake; it is two hundred and fifty miles long by fifty across, and is + +situated exactly at 61? 25' N. lat. and 114? W. long. The surrounding districts + +slope down to it, and it completely fills a vast natural hollow. The position of + +the lake in the very centre of the hunting districts. once swarming with game, + +early attracted the attention of the Company. Numerous streams either take their + +rise from it or flow into it-the Mackenzie, the Athabasca, &c.; and several + +important forts have been constructed on its shores-Fort Providence on the + +north, and Fort Resolution on the south. Fort Reliance is situated on the + +north-east extremity, and is about three hundred miles from the Chesterfield + +inlet, a long narrow estuary formed by the waters of Hudson's Bay.</p> + +<p>The Great Slave Lake is dotted with little islands, the granite and gneiss of + +which they are formed jutting up in several places. Its northern banks are + +clothed with thick woods, shutting out the barren frozen district beyond, not + +inaptly called the "Cursed Land." The southern regions, on the other band, are + +flat, without a rise of any kind, and the soil is mostly calcareous. The large + +ruminants of the polar districts-the buffaloes or bisons, the flesh of which + +forms almost the only food of the Canadian and native hunters-seldom go further + +north than the Great Slave Lake.</p> + +<p>The trees on the northern shores of the lake form magnificent forests. We + +need not be astonished at meeting with such fine vegetation in this remote + +district. The Great Slave Lake is not really in a higher latitude than Stockholm + +or Christiania. We have only to remember that the isothermal lines, or belts of + +equal heat, along which heat is distributed in equal quantities, do not follow + +the terrestrial parallels, and that with the same latitude, America is ever so + +much colder than Europe. In April the streets of New York are still white with + +snow, yet the latitude of New York is nearly the same as that of the Azores. The + +nature of a country, its position with regard to the oceans, and even the + +conformation of its soil, all influence its climate.</p> + +<p>In summer Fort Reliance was surrounded with masses of verdure, refreshing to + +the sight after the long dreary winter. Timber was plentiful in these forests, + +which consisted almost entirely of poplar, pine, and birch. The islets on the + +lake produced very fine willows. Game was abundant in the underwood, even during + +the bad season. Further south the hunters from the fort successfully pursued + +bisons, elks, and Canadian porcupines, the flesh of which is excellent. The + +waters of the Slave Lake were full of fish; trout in them attained to an immense + +size, their weight often exceeding forty pounds. Pikes, voracious lobes, a sort + +of charr or grayling called " blue fish," and countless legions of tittamegs, + +the <i>Coregonus</i> of naturalists, disported themselves in the water, so that + +the inhabitants of Fort Reliance were well supplied with food. Nature provided + +for all their wants; and clothed in the skins of foxes, martens, bears, and + +other Arctic animals, they were able to brave the rigour of the winter.</p> + +<p>The fort, properly so called, consisted of a wooden house with a ground-floor + +and one upper storey. In it lived the commandant and his officers. The barracks + +for the soldiers, the magazines of the Company, and the offices where exchanges + +were made, surrounded this house. A little chapel, which wanted nothing but a + +clergyman, and a powder-magazine, completed the buildings of the settlement. The + +whole was surrounded by palisades twenty-five feet high, defended by a small + +bastion with a pointed roof at each of the four corners of the parallelogram + +formed by the enceinte. The fort was thus protected from surprise, a necessary + +precaution in the days when the Indians, instead of being the purveyors of the + +Company, fought for the independence of their native land, and when the agents + +and soldiers of rival associations disputed the possession of the rich fur + +country.</p> + +<p>At that time the Hudson's Bay Company employed about a million men on its + +territories. It held supreme authority over them, an authority which could even + +inflict death. The governors of the factories could regulate salaries, and + +arbitrarily fix the price of provisions and furs; and as a result of this + +irresponsible power, they often realised a profit of no less than three hundred + +per cent.</p> + +<p>We shall see from the following table, taken from the " Voyage of Captain + +Robert Lade," on what terms exchanges were formerly made with those Indians who + +have since become the best hunters of the Company. Beavers' skins were then the + +currency employed in buying and selling.</p> + +<p>The Indians paid-</p> + +<table width="90%" border="1" align="center" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> + + <tbody> + + <tr> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p align="justify">For one gun,</p></td> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>10 beavers' skins</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>" half a pound of powder,</p></td> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>1 "</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>" four pounds of shot,</p></td> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>1 "</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>" one axe,</p></td> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>1 "</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>" six knives,</p></td> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>1 "</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>" one pound of glass beads,</p></td> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>1 "</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>" one laced coat,</p></td> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>6 "</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>" one coat not laced,</p></td> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>5 "</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>" one laced female dress,</p></td> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>6 "</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>" one pound of tobacco,</p></td> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>1 "</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>" one box of powder,</p></td> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>1 "</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>" one comb and one looking glass,</p></td> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>2 "</p></td></tr></tbody></table><br> + +<p>But a few years ago beaver-skins became so scarce that the currency had to be + +changed. Bison-furs are now the medium of trade. When an Indian presents himself + +at the fort, the agents of the Company give him as many pieces of wood as he + +brings skins, and he exchanges these pieces of wood for manufactured articles on + +the premises; and as the Company fix the price of the articles they buy and + +sell, they cannot fail to realise large profits.</p> + +<p>Such was the mode of proceeding in Fort Reliance and other factories; so that + +Mrs Paulina Barnett was able to watch the working of the system during her stay, + +which extended until the 16th April. Many a long talk did she have with + +Lieutenant Hobson, many were the projects they formed, and firmly were they both + +determined to allow no obstacle to check their advance. As for Thomas Black, he + +never opened his lips except when his own special mission was discussed. He was + +wrapped up in the subject of the luminous corona and red prominences of the + +moon; he lived but to solve the problem, and in the end made Mrs Paulina Barnett + +nearly as enthusiastic as himself. How eager the two were to cross the Arctic + +Circle, and how far off the 18th July 1860 appeared to both, but especially to + +the impatient Greenwich astronomer, can easily be imagined.</p> + +<p>The preparations for departure could not be commenced until the middle of + +March, and a month passed before they were completed. In fact, it was a + +formidable undertaking to organise such an expedition for crossing the Polar + +regions. Everything had to betaken with them-food, clothes, tools, arms, + +ammunition, and a nondescript collection of various requisites.</p> + +<p>The troops, under the command of Lieutenant Jaspar Hobson, were one chief and + +two subordinate officers, with ten soldiers, three of whom took their wives with + +them. They were all picked men, chosen by Captain Craventy on account of their + +energy and resolution. We append a list of the whole party:-</p> + +<table width="90%" border="1" align="center" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> + + <tbody> + + <tr> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>1. Lieutenant Jaspar Hobson.</p></td> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>11. Sabine, soldier.</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>2. Sergeant Long.</p></td> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>12. Hope, do.</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>3. Corporal Joliffe.</p></td> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>13. Kellet, do.</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>4. Petersen, soldier</p></td> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>14. Mrs Rae </p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>5. Belcher, do.</p></td> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>15. Mrs Joliffe.</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>6. Rae, do</p></td> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>16. Mrs Mac-Nab.</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>7. Marbre, do</p></td> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>17. Mrs Paulina Barnett.</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>8. Garry, do</p></td> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>18. Madge.</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>9. Pond, do</p></td> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>19. Thomas Black</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p>10. Mac-Nab, do.</p></td> + + <td width="50%" valign="top"> + + <p> </p></td></tr></tbody></table> + +<center></center><br> + +<p>In all, nineteen persons to be transported several hundreds of miles through + +a desert and imperfectly-known country.</p> + +<p>With this project in view, however, the Company had collected everything + +necessary for the expedition. A dozen sledges, with their teams of dogs, were in + +readiness. These primitive vehicles consisted of strong but light planks joined + +together by transverse bands. A piece of curved wood, turning up at the end like + +a skate, was fixed beneath the sledge, enabling it to cleave the snow without + +sinking deeply into it. Six swift and intelligent dogs, yoked two and two, and + +controlled by the long thong brandished by the driver, drew the sledges, and + +could go at a rate of fifteen miles an hour.</p> + +<p>The wardrobe of the travellers consisted of garments made of reindeer-skins, + +lined throughout with thick furs. All wore linen next the skin as a protection + +against the sudden changes of temperature frequent in these latitudes. Each one, + +officer or soldier, male or female, wore seal-skin boots sewn with twine, in the + +manufacture of which the natives excel. These boots are absolutely impervious, + +and are so flexible that they are admirably adapted for walking. Pine-wood + +snow-shoes, two or three feet long, capable of supporting the weight of a man on + +the most brittle snow, and enabling him to pass over it with the rapidity of a + +skater on ice, can be fastened to the soles of the seal-skin boots. Fur caps and + +deer-skin belts completed the costumes.</p> + +<p>For arms, Lieutenant Hobson had the regulation musketoons provided by the + +Company, pistols, ordnance sabres, and plenty of ammunition; for tools : axes, + +saws, adzes, and other instruments required in carpentering. Then there was the + +collection of all that would be needed for setting up a factory in the remote + +district for which they were bound : a stove; a smelting furnace, two airpumps + +for ventilation, an India-rubber boat, only inflated when required, &c., + +&c.</p> + +<p>The party might have relied for provisions on the hunters amongst them. Some + +of the soldiers were skilful trackers of game, and there were plenty of reindeer + +in the Polar regions. Whole tribes of Indians, or Esquimaux, deprived of bread + +and all other nourishment, subsist entirely on this venison, which is both + +abundant and palatable. But as delays and difficulties had to be allowed for, a + +certain quantity of provisions was taken with them. The flesh of the bison, elk, + +and deer, amassed in the large <i>battues</i> on the south of the lake; corned + +beef, which will keep for any length of time; and some Indian preparations, in + +which the flesh of animals, ground to powder, retains its nutritive properties + +in a very small bulk, requiring no cooking, and forming a very nourishing diet, + +were amongst the stores provided in case of need.</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Hobson likewise took several casks of rum and whisky; but he was + +firmly resolved to economise these spirits, so injurious to the health in cold + +latitudes, as much as possible. The Company had placed at his disposal a little + +portable medicine-chest, containing formidable quantities of lime-juice, lemons, + +and other simple remedies necessary to check, or if possible to prevent, the + +scorbutic affections which take such a terrible form in these regions.</p> + +<p>All the men had been chosen with great care; none were too stout or too thin, + +and all had for years been accustomed to the severity of the climate, and could + +therefore more easily endure the fatigues of an expedition to the Polar Sea. + +They were all brave, high-spirited fellows, who had taken service of their own + +accord. Double pay had been promised them during their stay at the confines of + +the American continent, should they succeed in making a settlement beyond the + +seventieth parallel.</p> + +<p>The sledge provided for Mrs Barnett and her faithful Madge was rather more + +comfortable than the others. She did not wish to be treated better than her + +travelling companions, but yielded to the urgent request of Captain Craventy, + +who was but carrying out the wishes of the Company.</p> + +<p>The vehicle which brought Thomas Black to Fort Reliance also conveyed him and + +his scientific apparatus from it. A few astronomical instruments, of which there + +were not many in those days-a telescope for his selenographic observations, a + +sextant for taking the latitude, a chronometer for determining the longitudes, a + +few maps, a few books, were all stored away in this sledge, and Thomas Black + +relied upon his faithful dogs to lose nothing by the way.</p> + +<p>Of course the food for the various teams was not forgotten. There were + +altogether no less than seventy-two dogs, quite a herd to provide for by the + +way, and it was the business of the hunters to cater for them. These strong + +intelligent animals were bought of the Chippeway Indians, who know well how to + +train them for their arduous calling.</p> + +<p>The little company was most skilfully organised. The zeal of Lieutenant + +Jaspar Hobson was beyond all praise. Proud of his mission, and devoted to his + +task; he neglected nothing which could insure success. Corporal Joliffe, always + +a busybody, exerted himself without producing any very tangible results; but his + +wife was most useful and devoted; and Mrs Paulina Barnett had already struck up + +a great friendship with the brisk little Canadian woman, whose fair hair and + +large soft eyes were so pleasant to look at.</p> + +<p>We need scarcely add that Captain Craventy did all in his power to further + +the enterprise. The instructions he had received from the Company showed what + +great importance they attached to the success of the expedition, and the + +establishment of a new factory beyond the seventieth parallel. We may therefore + +safely affirm that every human effort likely to insure success which could be + +made was made; but who could tell what insurmountable difficulties nature might + +place in the path of the brave Lieutenant I who could tell what awaited him and + +his devoted little band.</p> +<a name="V" id="V"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER V.</h4> + +<h4><i>FROM FORT RELIANCE TO FORT ENTERPRISE.</i></h4> + +<p>The first fine days came at last. The green carpet of the hills began to + +appear here and there where the snow had melted. A few migratory birds from the + +south-such as swans, bald-headed eagles, &c.-passed through the warmer air. + +The poplars, birches, and willows began to bud, and the redheaded ducks, of + +which there are so many species in North America, to skim the surface of the + +numerous pools formed by the melted snow. Guillemots, puffins, and eider ducks + +sought colder latitudes; and little shrews no bigger than a hazel-nut ventured + +from their holes, tracing strange figures on the ground with their tiny-pointed + +tails. It was intoxicating once more to breathe the fresh air of spring, and to + +bask in the sunbeams. Nature awoke once more from her heavy sleep in the long + +winter night, and smiled as she opened her eyes.</p> + +<p>The renovation of creation in spring is perhaps more impressive in the Arctic + +regions than in any other portion of the globe, on account of the greater + +contrast with what has gone before.</p> + +<p>The thaw was not, however, complete. The thermometer, it is true, marked 41? + +Fahrenheit above zero; but the mean temperature of the nights kept the surface + +of the snowy plains solid-a good thing for the passage of sledges, of which + +Jaspar Hobson meant to avail himself before the thaw became complete.</p> + +<p>The ice of the lake was still unbroken. During the last month several + +successful hunting expeditions had been made across the vast smooth plains, + +which were already frequented by game. Mrs Barnett was astonished at the skill + +with which the men used their snow-shoes, scudding along at the pace of a horse + +in full gallop. Following Captain Craventy's advice, the lady herself practised + +walking in these contrivances, and she soon became very expert in sliding over + +the snow.</p> + +<p>During the last few days several bands of Indians had arrived at the fort to + +exchange the spoils of the winter chase for manufactured goods. The season had + +been bad. There were a good many polecats and sables; but the furs of beavers, + +otters, lynxes, ermines, and foxes were scarce. It was therefore a wise step for + +the Company to endeavour to explore a new country, where the wild animals had + +hitherto escaped the rapacity of man.</p> + +<p>On the morning of the 16th April Lieutenant Jaspar Hobson and his party were + +ready to start. The route across the known districts, between the Slave Lake and + +that of the Great Bear beyond the Arctic Circle, was already determined. Jaspar + +Hobson was to make for Fort Confidence, on the northern extremity of the latter + +lake; and he was to revictual at Fort Enterprise, a station two hundred miles + +further to the north-west, on the shores of the Snare Lake, By travelling at the + +rate of fifteen miles a day the Lieutenant hoped to halt there about the + +beginning of May.</p> + +<p>From this point the expedition was to take the shortest route to Cape + +Bathurst, on the North American coast. It was agreed that in a year Captain + +Craventy should send a convoy with provisions to Cape Bathurst, and that a + +detachment of the Lieutenant's men was to go to meet this convoy, to guide it to + +the spot where the new fort was to be erected. This plan was a guarantee against + +any adverse circumstances, and left a means of communication with their + +fellow-creatures open to the Lieutenant and his voluntary companions in + +exile.</p> + +<p>On the 16th April dogs and sledges were awaiting the travellers at the + +postern gate. Captain Craventy called the men of the party together and said a + +few kind words to them. He urged them above all things to stand by one another + +in the perils they might be called upon to meet; reminded them that the + +enterprise upon which they were about to enter required self-denial and + +devotion, and that submission to their officers was an indispensable condition + +of success. Cheers greeted the Captain's speech, the adieux were quickly made, + +and each one took his place in the sledge assigned to him. Jaspar Hobson and + +Sergeant Long went first; then Mrs Paulina Barnett and Madge, the latter + +dexterously wielding the long Esquimaux whip, terminating in a stiff thong. + +Thomas Black and one of the soldiers, the Canadian, Petersen, occupied the third + +sledge ;and the others followed, Corporal and Mrs Joliffe bringing up the rear. + +According to the orders of Lieutenant Hobson, each driver kept as nearly as + +possible at the same distance from the preceding sledge, so as to avoid all + +confusion-a necessary precaution, as a collision between two sledges going at + +full speed, might have had disastrous results.</p> + +<p>On leaving Fort Reliance, Jaspar Hobson at once directed his course towards + +the north-west. The first thing to be done was to cross the large river + +connecting Lakes Slave and Wolmsley, which was, however, still frozen so hard as + +to be undistinguishable from the vast white plains around. A uniform carpet of + +snow covered the whole country, and the sledges, drawn by their swift teams, + +sped rapidly over the firm smooth surface.</p> + +<p>The weather was fine, but still very cold. The sun, scarce above the horizon, + +described a lengthened curve; and its rays, reflected on the snow, gave more + +light than heat. Fortunately not a breath of air stirred, and this lessened the + +severity of the cold, although the rapid pace of the sledges through the keen + +atmosphere must have been trying to any one not inured to the rigour of a Polar + +climate.</p> + +<p>"A good beginning," said Jaspar Hobson to the Sergeant, who sat motionless + +beside him as if rooted to his seat; "the journey has commenced favourably. The + +sky is cloudless; the temperature propitious, our equipages shoot along like + +express trains, and as long as this fine weather lasts we shall get on + +capitally. What do you think, Sergeant Long?"</p> + +<p>"I agree with you, Lieutenant," replied the Sergeant, who never differed from + +his chief.</p> + +<p>"Like myself, Sergeant, you are determined to push on as far north as + +possible-are you not?" resumed Lieutenant Hobson.</p> + +<p>"You have but to command to be obeyed, Lieutenant."</p> + +<p>"I know it, Sergeant; I know that with you to bear is to obey. Would that all + +our men understood as you do the importance of our mission, and would devote + +themselves body and soul to the interests of the Company! Ah, Sergeant Long, I + +know if I gave you an impossible order- "</p> + +<p>"Lieutenant, there is no such thing as an impossible order."</p> + +<p>"What? Suppose now I ordered you to go to the North Pole?"</p> + +<p>"Lieutenant, I should go !"</p> + +<p>"And to comeback!" added Jaspar Hobson with a smile.</p> + +<p>"I should come back," replied Sergeant Long simply.</p> + +<p>During this colloquy between Lieutenant Hobson and his Sergeant a slight + +ascent compelled the sledges to slacken speed, and Mrs Barnett and Madge also + +exchanged a few sentences. These two intrepid women, in their otter-skin caps + +and white bear-skin mantles, gazed in astonishment upon the rugged scenery + +around them, and at the white outlines of the huge glaciers standing out against + +the horizon. They had already left behind them the hills of the northern banks + +of the Slave Lake, with their summits crowned with the gaunt skeletons of trees. + +The vast plains stretched before them in apparently endless succession. The + +rapid flight and cries of a few birds of passage alone broke the monotony of the + +scene. Now and then a troop of swans, with plumage so white that the keenest + +sight could not distinguish them from the snow when they settled on the ground, + +rose into view in the clear blue atmosphere and pursued their journey to the + +north.</p> + +<p>"What an extraordinary country !" exclaimed Mrs Paulina Barnett. "What a + +difference between these Polar regions and the green prairies of Australia! You + +remember, Madge, how we suffered from the heat on the shores of the Gulf of + +Carpentaria-you remember the cloudless sky and the parching sunbeams?"</p> + +<p>My dear," replied Madge, "I have not the gift of remembering like you. You + +retain your impressions, I forget mine."</p> + +<p>"What, Madge !" cried Mrs Barnett, "you have forgotten the tropical heat of + +India arid Australia? You have no recollection of our agonies when water failed + +us in the desert, when the pitiless sun scorched us to the bone, when even the + +night brought us no relief from our sufferings !"</p> + +<p>"No, Paulina," replied Madge, wrapping her furs more closely round her, "no, + +I remember nothing. How could I now recollect the sufferings to which you + +allude-the heat, the agonies of thirst-when we are surrounded on every side by + +ice, and I have but to stretch my arm out of this sledge to pick up a handful of + +snow? You talk to me of heat, when we are freezing beneath our bearskins; you + +recall the broiling rays of the sun when its April beams cannot melt the icicles + +on our lips! No, child, no, don't try to persuade me it's hot anywhere else; + +don't tell me I ever complained of being too warm, for I sha'n't believe + +you!"</p> + +<p>Mrs Paulina Barnett could not help smiling.</p> + +<p>"So, poor Madge," she said, "you are very cold!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, child, I am cold; but I rather like this climate. I've no doubt it's + +very healthy, and I think North America will agree with me. It's really a very + +fine country !"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Madge; it is a fine country, and we have as yet seen none of the + +wonders it contains. But wait until we reach the Arctic Ocean; wait until the + +winter shuts us in with its gigantic icebergs and thick covering of snow; wait + +till the northern storms break over us, and the glories of the Aurora Borealis + +and of the splendid constellations of the Polar skies are spread out above our + +heads; wait till we have lived through the strange long six months' night, and + +then indeed you will understand the infinite variety, the infinite beauty, of + +our Creator's handiwork !"</p> + +<p>Thus spoke Mrs Paulina Barnett, carried away by her vivid imagination. She + +could see nothing but beauty in these deserted regions, with their rigorous + +climate. Her enthusiasm got the better for the time of her judgment. Her + +sympathy with nature enabled her to read the touching poetry of the ice-bound + +north-the poetry embodied in the Sagas, and sung by the bards of the time of + +Ossian. But Madge, more matter of fact than her mistress, disguised from herself + +neither the dangers of an expedition to the Arctic Ocean, nor the sufferings + +involved in wintering only thirty degrees at the most from the North Pole.</p> + +<p>And indeed the most robust had sometimes succumbed to the fatigues, + +privations, and mental and bodily agonies endured in this severe climate. Jaspar + +Hobson had not, it is true, to press on to the very highest latitudes of the + +globe,; he had not to reach the pole itself, or to follow in the steps of Parry, + +Ross, Mc'Clure, Kean, Morton, and others. But after once crossing the Arctic + +Circle, there is little variation in the temperature; it does not increase in + +coldness in proportion to the elevation reached. Granted that Jaspar Hobson did + +not think of going beyond the seventieth parallel, we must still remember that + +Franklin and his unfortunate companions died of cold and hunger before they had + +penetrated beyond 68? N. lat.</p> + +<p>Very different was the talk in the sledge occupied by Mr and Mrs Joliffe. + +Perhaps the gallant Corporal had too often drunk to the success of the + +expedition on starting; for, strange to say, he was disputing with his little + +wife. Yes, he was actually contradicting her, which never happened except under + +extraordinary circumstances!</p> + +<p>"No, Mrs Joliffe," he was saying, "no, you have nothing to fear. A sledge is + +not more difficult to guide than a pony-carriage, and the devil take me if I + +can't manage a team of dogs !"</p> + +<p>"I don't question your skill," replied Mrs Joliffe; "I only ask you not to go + +so fast. You are in front of the whole caravan now, and I hear Lieutenant Hobson + +calling out to you to resume your proper place behind."</p> + +<p>"Let him call, Mrs Joliffe, let him call."</p> + +<p>And the Corporal, urging on his dogs with a fresh cut of the whip, dashed + +along at still greater speed.</p> + +<p>"Take care, Joliffe," repeated his little wife; "not so fast, we are going + +down hill."</p> + +<p>"Down hill, Mrs Joliffe; you call that down hill? why, it's up hill!"</p> + +<p>"I tell you we are going down!" repeated poor Mrs Joliffe.</p> + +<p>"And I tell you we are going up; look how the dogs pull !"</p> + +<p>Whoever was right, the dogs became uneasy. The ascent was, in fact, pretty + +steep; the sledge dashed along at a reckless pace, and was already considerably + +in advance of the rest of the party. Mr and Mrs Joliffe bumped up and down every + +instant, the surface of the snow became more and more uneven, and the pair, + +flung first to one side and then to the other, knocked against each other and + +the sledge, and were horribly bruised and shaken. But the Corporal would listen + +neither to the advice of his wife nor to the shouts of Lieutenant Hobson. The + +latter, seeing the danger of this reckless course, urged on his own animals, and + +the rest of the caravan followed at a rapid pace.</p> + +<p>But the Corporal became more and more excited-the speed of his equipage + +delighted him. He shouted, he gesticulated, and flourished his long whip like an + +accomplished sportsman.</p> + +<p>"Wonderful things these whips!" he cried; "the Esquimaux wield them with + +unrivalled skill !"</p> + +<p>"But you are not an Esquimaux!" cried Mrs Joliffe, trying in vain to arrest + +the arm of her imprudent husband.</p> + +<p>"I have heard tell," resumed the Corporal-" I've heard tell that the + +Esquimaux can touch any dog they like in any part, that they can even cut out a + +bit of one of their ears with the stiff thong at the end of the whip. I am going + +to try."</p> + +<p>"Don't try, don't try, Joliffe !" screamed the poor little woman, frightened + +out of her wits.</p> + +<p>"Don't be afraid, Mrs Joliffe, don't be afraid; I know what I can do. The + +fifth dog on the right is misbehaving himself;. I will correct him a + +little!"</p> + +<p>But Corporal Joliffe was evidently not yet enough of an Esquimaux to be able + +to manage the whip with its thong four feet longer than the sledge; for it + +unrolled with an ominous hiss, and rebounding, twisted itself round Corporal + +Joliffe's own neck, sending his fur cap into the air, perhaps with one of his + +ears in it.</p> + +<p>At this moment the dogs flung themselves on one side, the sledge was + +overturned, and the pair were flung into the snow. Fortunately it was thick and + +soft, so that they escaped unhurt. But what a disgrace for the Corporal! how + +reproachfully his little wife looked at him, and how stern was the reprimand of + +Lieutenant Hobson!</p> + +<p>The sledge was picked up, but it was decided that henceforth the reins of the + +dogs, like those of the household, were to be in the hands of Mrs Joliffe. The + +crest-fallen Corporal was obliged to submit, and the interrupted journey was + +resumed.</p> + +<p>No incident worth mentioning occurred during the next fifteen days. The + +weather continued favourable, the cold was not too severe, and on the 1st May + +the expedition arrived at Fort Enterprise.</p> + +<p> :</p> +<a name="VI" id="VI"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER VI.</h4> + +<h4><i>A WAPITI DUEL.</i></h4> + +<p>Two hundred miles had been traversed since the expedition left Fort Reliance. + +The travellers, taking advantage of the long twilight, pressed on day and night, + +and were literally overcome with fatigue when they reached Fort Enterprise, near + +the shores of Lake Snare.</p> + +<p>This fort was no more than a depot of provisions, of little importance, + +erected a few years before by the Hudson's Bay Company. It served as a + +resting-place for the men taking the convoys of furs from the Great Bear Lake, + +some three hundred miles further to the north-west. About a dozen soldiers + +formed the garrison. The fort consisted of a wooden house surrounded by + +palisades. But few as were the comforts it offered, Lieutenant Hobson's + +companions gladly took refuge in it and rested there for two days.</p> + +<p>The gentle influence of the Arctic spring was beginning to be felt. Here and + +there the snow had melted, and the temperature of the nights was no longer below + +freezing point. A few delicate mosses and slender grasses clothed the rugged + +ground with their soft verdure; and from between the stones peeped the moist + +calices of tiny, almost colourless, flowers. These faint signs of reawakening + +vegetation, after the long night of winter, were refreshing to eyes weary of the + +monotonous whiteness of the snow; and the scattered specimens of the Flora of + +the Arctic regions were welcomed with delight.</p> + +<p>Mrs Paulina Barnett and Jaspar Hobson availed themselves of this leisure time + +to visit the shores of the little lake. They were both students and enthusiastic + +lovers of nature. Together they wandered amongst the ice masses, already + +beginning to break up, and the waterfalls created by the action of the rays of + +the sun. The surface itself of Lake Snare was still intact, not a crack denoted + +the approaching thaw; but it was strewn with the ruins of mighty icebergs, which + +assumed all manner of picturesque forms, and the beauty of which was heightened + +when the light, diffracted by the sharp edges of the ice, touched them with all + +manner of colours. One might have fancied that a rainbow, crushed in a powerful + +hand, bad been flung upon the ground, its fragments crossing each other as they + +fell.</p> + +<p>"What a beautiful scene!" exclaimed Mrs Paulina Barnett. "These prismatic + +effects vary at every change of our position. Does it not seem as if we were + +bending over the opening of an immense kaleidoscope, or are you already weary of + +a sight so new and interesting to me?"</p> + +<p>"No, madam," replied the Lieutenant; "although I was born and bred on this + +continent, its beauties never pall upon me. But if your enthusiasm is so great + +when you see this scenery with the sun shining upon it, what will it be when you + +are privileged to behold the terrible grandeur of the winter? To own the truth, + +I think the sun, so much thought of in temperate latitudes, spoils my Arctic + +home."</p> + +<p>"Indeed!" exclaimed Mrs Barnett, smiling at the Lieutenant's last remark; + +"for my part, I think the sun a capital travelling companion, and I shall not be + +disposed to grumble at the warmth it gives even in the Polar regions !"</p> + +<p>"Ah, madam," replied Jaspar Hobson, "I am one of those who think it best to + +visit Russia in the winter, and the Sahara Desert in the summer. You then see + +their peculiar characteristics to advantage. The sun is a star of the torrid and + +temperate zones, and is out of place thirty degrees from the North Pole. The + +true sky of this country is the pure frigid sky of winter, bright with + +constellations, and sometimes flushed with the glory of the Aurora Borealis. + +This land is the land of the night, not of the day; and you have yet to make + +acquaintance with the delights and marvels of the long Polar night."</p> + +<p>"Have you ever visited the temperate zones of Europe and America?" inquired + +Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>"Yes, madam; and I admired them as they deserved. But I returned home with + +fresh love and enthusiasm for my native land. Cold is my element, and no merit + +is due to me for braving it. It has no power over me; and, like the Esquimaux. I + +can live for months together in a snow hut."</p> + +<p>"Really, Lieutenant Hobson, it is quite cheering to hear our dreaded enemy + +spoken of in such terms. I hope to prove myself worthy to be your companion, and + +wherever you venture, we will venture together."</p> + +<p>"I agree, madam, I agree; and may all the women and soldiers accompanying me + +show themselves as resolute as you. If so, God helping us, we shall indeed + +advance far."</p> + +<p>"You have nothing to complain of yet," observed the lady. "Not a single + +accident has occurred, the weather has been propitious, the cold not too + +severe-everything has combined to aid us."</p> + +<p>"Yes, madam; but the sun which you admire so much will soon create + +difficulties for us, and strew obstacles in our path."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean, Lieutenant Hobson?"</p> + +<p>"I mean that the heat will soon have changed the aspect of the country; that + +the melted ice will impede the sliding of the sledges; that the ground will + +become rough and uneven; that our panting dogs will no longer carry us along + +with the speed of an arrow; that the rivers and lakes will resume their liquid + +state, and that we shall have to ford or go round them. All these changes, + +madam, due to the influence of the solar rays, will cause delays, fatigue, and + +dangers, the very least of which will be the breaking of the brittle snow + +beneath our feet, or the falling of the avalanches from the summits of the + +icebergs. For all this we have to thank the gradual rise of the sun higher and + +higher above the horizon. Bear this in mind, madam: of the four elements of the + +old creation, only one is necessary to us here, the air; the other three, fire, + +earth, and water, are <i>de trop</i> in the Arctic regions."</p> + +<p>Of course the Lieutenant was exaggerating, and Mrs Barnett could easily have + +retorted with counter-arguments; but she liked to hear his raptures in praise of + +his beloved country, and she felt that his enthusiasm was a guarantee that he + +would shrink from no obstacle.</p> + +<p>Yet Jaspar Hobson was right when he said the sun would cause difficulties. + +This was seen when the party set out again on the 4th May, three days later. The + +thermometer, even in the coldest part of the night, marked more than 32? + +Fahrenheit. A complete thaw set in, the vast white sheet of snow resolved itself + +into water. The irregularities of the rocky soil caused constant jolting of the + +sledges, and the passengers were roughly shaken. The roads were so heavy that + +the dogs had to go at a slow trot, and the reins were therefore again entrusted + +to the hands of the imprudent Corporal</p> + +<p>Joliffe. Neither shouts nor flourishings of the whip had the slightest effect + +on the jaded animals.</p> + +<p>From time to time the travellers lightened the sledges by walking little way. + +This mode of locomotion suited the hunters, who were now gradually approaching + +the best districts for game in the whole of English America. Mrs Paulina Barnett + +and Madge took a great interest in the chase, whilst Thomas Black professed + +absolute indifference to all athletic exercise. He had not come all this + +distance to hunt the polecat or the ermine, but merely to look at the moon at + +the moment when her disc should cover that of the sun. When the queen of the + +night rose above the horizon, the impatient astronomer would gaze at her with + +eager eyes, and one day the Lieutenant said to him</p> + +<p>"It would be a bad look-out for you, Mr Black, if by any unlucky chance the + +moon should fail to keep her appointment on the 16th July 1860."</p> + +<p>"Lieutenant Hobson," gravely replied the astronomer, "if the moon were guilty + +of such a breach of good manners, I should indeed have cause to complain."</p> + +<p>The chief hunters of the expedition were the soldiers Marbre and Sabine, both + +very expert at their business. Their skill was wonderful; and the cleverest + +Indians would not have surpassed them in keenness of sight, precision of aim, or + +manual address. They were alike trappers and hunters, and were acquainted with + +all the nets and snares for taking sables, otters, wolves, foxes, bears, &c. + +No artifice was unknown to them, and Captain Craventy had shown his wisdom in + +choosing two such intelligent men to accompany the little troop.</p> + +<p>Whilst on the march however, Marbre and Sabine had no time for setting traps. + +They could not separate from the others for more than an hour or two at a time, + +and were obliged to be content with the game which passed within range of their + +rifles. Still they were fortunate enough to kill two of the large American + +ruminants, seldom met with in such elevated latitudes.</p> + +<p>On the morning of the 15th May the hunters asked permission to follow some + +fresh traces they had found, and the Lieutenant not only granted it, but himself + +accompanied them with Mrs Paulina Barnett, and they went several miles out of + +their route towards the east.</p> + +<p>The impressions were evidently the result of the passage of about + +half-a-dozen large deer. There could be no mistake about it; Marbre and Sabine + +were positive on that point, and could even have named the species to which the + +animals belonged.</p> + +<p>"You seem surprised to have met with traces of these animals here, + +Lieutenant," said Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>"Well, madam," replied Hobson, "this species is rarely seen beyond 57? N. + +lat. We generally hunt them at the south of the Slave Lake, where they feed upon + +the shoots of willows and poplars, and certain wild roses to which they are very + +partial."</p> + +<p>"I suppose these creatures, like those with valuable furs, have fled from the + +districts scoured by the hunters."</p> + +<p>"I see no other explanation of their presence at 65? N. lat.," replied the + +Lieutenant-"that is, if the men are not mistaken as to the origin of the + +footprints."</p> + +<p>"No, no, sir," cried Sabine; "Marbre and I are not mistaken. These traces + +were left by deer, the deer we hunters call red deer, and the natives + +wapitis."</p> + +<p>"He is quite right," added Marbre; "old trappers like us are not to be taken + +in; besides, don't you hear that peculiar whistling sound?"</p> + +<p>The party had now reached the foot of a little hill, and as the snow had + +almost disappeared from its sides they were able to climb it, and hastened to + +the summit, the peculiar whistling noticed by Marbre becoming louder, mingled + +with cries resembling the braying of an ass, and proving that the two hunters + +were not mistaken.</p> + +<p>Once at the top of the hill, the adventurers looked eagerly towards the east. + +The undulating plains were still white with snow, but its dazzling surface was + +here and there relieved with patches of stunted light green vegetation. A few + +gaunt shrubs stretched forth their bare and shrivelled branches, and huge + +icebergs with precipitous sides stood out against the grey background of the + +sky.</p> + +<p>"Wapitis! wapitis!-there they are !" cried Sabine and Marbre at once, + +pointing to a group of animals distinctly visible about a quarter of a mile to + +the east.</p> + +<p>"What are they doing?" asked Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>"They are fighting, madam," replied Hobson; "they always do when the heat of + +the Polar sun inflames their blood-another deplorable result of the action of + +the radiant orb of day !"</p> + +<p>From where they stood the party could easily watch the group of wapitis. They + +were fine specimens of the family of deer known under the various names of stags + +with rounded antlers, American stags, roebucks, grey elks and red elks, &c. + +These graceful creatures have slender legs and brown skins with patches of red + +hair, the colour of which becomes darker in the warmer season. The fierce males + +are easily distinguished from the females by their fine white antlers, the + +latter being entirely without these ornaments. These wapitis were once very + +numerous all over North America, and the United States imported a great many; + +but clearings were begun on every side, the forest trees fell beneath the axe of + +the pioneer of civilisation, and the wapitis took refuge in the more peaceful + +districts of Canada; but they were soon again disturbed, and wandered to the + +shores of Hudson's Bay. So that although the wapiti thrives in a cold country, + +Lieutenant Hobson was right in saying that it seldom penetrates beyond 57? N. + +latitude; and the specimens now found had doubtless fled before the Chippeway + +Indians, who hunt them without mercy.</p> + +<p>The wapitis were so engrossed in their desperate struggle that they were + +unconscious of the approach of the hunters; but they would probably not have + +ceased fighting, had they been aware of it. Marbre and Sabine, aware of their + +peculiarity in this respect, might therefore have advanced fearlessly upon them, + +and have taken aim at leisure.</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Hobson suggested that they should do so.</p> + +<p>"Beg pardon, sir," replied Marbre; "but let us spare our powder and shot. + +These beasts are engaged in a war to the death, and we shall arrive in plenty of + +time to pick up the vanquished."</p> + +<p>"Have these wapitis a commercial value?" asked Mrs Paulina Barnett.</p> + +<p>"Yes, madam," replied Hobson; "and their skin, which is not quite so thick as + +that of the elk, properly so called makes very valuable leather. By rubbing this + +skin with the fat and brains of the animal itself, it is rendered flexible, and + +neither damp nor dryness injures it. The Indians are therefore always eager to + +procure the skins of the wapitis."</p> + +<p>"Does not the flesh make admirable venison?"</p> + +<p>"Pretty good, madam; only pretty good. It is tough, and does not taste very + +nice; the fat becomes hard directly it is taken from the fire, and sticks to the + +teeth. It is certainly inferior as an article of food to the flesh of other + +deer; but when meat is scarce we are glad enough to eat it, and it supports life + +as well as anything else."</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett and Lieutenant Hobson had been chatting together for some + +minutes, when, with the exception of two, the wapitis suddenly ceased fighting. + +Was their rage satiated?- or had they perceived the hunters, and felt the + +approach of danger? Whatever the cause, all but two fine creatures fled a + +towards the east With incredible speed; in a few instants they were out of + +sight, and the swiftest horse could not have caught them up.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile, however, two magnificent specimens remained on the field of + +battle. Heads down, antlers to antlers, hind legs stretched and quivering, they + +butted at each other without a moment's pause. Like two wrestlers struggling for + +a prize which neither will yield, they would not separate, but whirled round and + +round together on their front legs as if riveted to one another. What implacable + +rage !" exclaimed Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied the Lieutenant; "the wapitis really are most spiteful beasts. + +I have no doubt they are fighting out an old quarrel."</p> + +<p>"Would not this be the time to approach them, when they are blinded with + +rage?"</p> + +<p>"There's plenty of time, ma'am," said Sabine; "they won't escape us now. They + +will not stir from where they are when we are three steps from them, the rifles + +at our shoulders, and our fingers on the triggers !"</p> + +<p>Indeed? Yes, madam," added Hobson, who had carefully examined the wapitis + +after the hunter's remark; "and whether at our hands or from the teeth of + +wolves, those wapitis will meet death where they now stand."</p> + +<p>"I don't understand what you mean, Lieutenant," said Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>"Well, go nearer, madam," he replied; "don't be afraid of startling the + +animals; for, as our hunter says, they are no longer capable of flight."</p> + +<p>The four now descended the hill, and in a few minutes gained the theatre of + +the struggle. The wapitis had not moved. They were pushing at each other like a + +couple of rams, and seemed to be inseparably glued together.</p> + +<p>In fact, in the heat of the combat the antlers of the two creatures had + +become entangled together to such an extent that they could no longer separate + +without breaking them. This often happens in the hunting districts. It is not at + +all uncommon to find antlers thus connected lying on the ground; the poor + +encumbered animals soon die of hunger, or they become an easy prey to wild + +beasts.</p> + +<p>Two bullets put an end to the fight between the wapitis; and Marbre and + +Sabine taking immediate possession, carried off their skins to be subsequently + +prepared, leaving their bleeding carcasses to be devoured by wolves and + +bears.</p> +<a name="VII" id="VII"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER VII.</h4> + +<h4><i>THE ARCTIC CIRCLE.</i></h4> + +<p>The expedition continued to advance towards the north-west; but the great + +inequalities of the ground made it hard work for the dogs to get along, and the + +poor creatures, who could hardly be held in when they started, were now quiet + +enough. Eight or ten miles a day were as much as they could accomplish, although + +Lieutenant Hobson urged them on to the utmost.</p> + +<p>He was anxious to get to Fort Confidence, on the further side of the Great + +Bear Lake, where he hoped to obtain some useful information. Had the Indians + +frequenting the northern banks of the lake been able to cross the districts on + +the shores of the sea? was the Arctic Ocean open at this time of year? These + +were grave questions, the reply to which would decide the fate of the new + +factory.</p> + +<p>The country through which the little troop was now passing was intersected by + +numerous streams, mostly tributaries of the two large rivers, the Mackenzie and + +Coppermine, which flow from the south to the north, and empty themselves into + +the Arctic Ocean. Lakes, lagoons, and numerous pools are formed between these + +two principal arteries; and as they were no longer frozen over, the sledges + +could not venture upon them, and were compelled to go around them, which caused + +considerable delay. Lieutenant Hobson was certainly right in saying that winter + +is the time to visit the hyperborean regions, for they are then far easier to + +traverse. Mrs Paulina Barnett had reason to own the justice of this assertion + +than once.</p> + +<p>This region, included in the "Cursed Land," was, besides, completely + +deserted, as are the greater portion of the districts of the extreme north of + +America. It has been estimated that there is but one inhabitant to every ten + +square miles. Besides the scattered natives, there are some few thousand agents + +or soldiers of the different fur-trading companies; but they mostly congregate + +in the southern districts and about the various factories. No human footprints + +gladdened the eyes of the travellers, the only traces on the sandy soil were + +those of ruminants and rodents. Now and then a fierce polar bear was seen, and + +Mrs Paulina Barnett expressed her surprise at not meeting more of these terrible + +carnivorous beasts, of whose daily attacks on whalers and persons shipwrecked in + +Baffin's Bay and on the coasts of Greenland and Spitzbergen she had read in the + +accounts of those who had wintered in the Arctic regions.</p> + +<p>"Wait for the winter, madam," replied the Lieutenant; "wait till the cold + +makes them hungry, and then you will perhaps see as many as you care about + +!"</p> + +<p>On the 23d May, after a long and fatiguing journey, the expedition at last + +reached the Arctic Circle. We know that this latitude 23? 27' 57" from the North + +Pole, forms the mathematical limit beyond which the rays of the sun do not + +penetrate in the winter, when the northern districts of the globe are turned + +away from the orb of day. Here, then, the travellers entered the true Arctic + +region, the northern Frigid Zone.</p> + +<p>The latitude had been very carefully obtained by means of most accurate + +instruments, which were handled with equal skill by the astronomer and by + +Lieutenant Hobson. Mrs Barnett was present at the operation, and had the + +satisfaction of hearing that she was at last about to cross the Arctic Circle. + +It was with a feeling of just pride that she received the intelligence.</p> + +<p>"You have already passed through the two Torrid Zones in your previous + +journeys," said the Lieutenant, "and now you are on the verge of the Arctic + +Circle. Few explorers have ventured into such totally different regions. Some, + +so to speak, have a specialty for hot countries, and choose Africa or Australia + +as the field for their investigations. Such were Barth, Burton, Livingstone + +Speke, Douglas, Stuart, &c. Others, on the contrary, have a passion for the + +Arctic regions, still so little known. Mackenzie, Franklin, Penny, Kane, Parry, + +Rae, &c., preceded us on our present journey; but we must congratulate you, + +Mrs Barnett, on being a more cosmopolitan traveller than all of them."</p> + +<p>"I must see everything or at least try to see everything, Lieutenant," + +replied. Mrs Paulina; "and I think the dangers and difficulties are about equal + +everywhere. Although we have not to dread the fevers of the unhealthy torrid + +regions, or the attacks of the fierce black races, in this Frigid Zone, the cold + +is a no less formidable enemy; and I suspect that the white bears we are liable + +to meet with here will give us quite as warm a reception as would the tigers of + +Thibet or the lions of Africa. In Torrid and Frigid Zones alike there are vast + +unexplored tracts which will long defy the efforts of the boldest + +adventurers."</p> + +<p>"Yes, madam," replied Jaspar Hobson; "but I think the hyperborean regions + +will longer resist thorough exploration. The natives are the chief obstacle in + +tropical regions, and I am well aware how many travellers have fallen victims to + +savages. But civilisation will necessarily subdue the wild races sooner or + +later; whereas in the Arctic and Antarctic Zones it is not the inhabitants who + +arrest the progress of the explorer, but Nature herself who repels those who + +approach her, and paralyses their energies with the bitter cold !"</p> + +<p>"You think, then, that the secrets of the most remote districts of Africa and + +Australia will have been fathomed before the Frigid Zone has been entirely + +examined?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, madam," replied the Lieutenant; "and I think my opinion is founded on + +facts. The most intrepid discoverers of the Arctic regions - Parry, Penny, + +Franklin, M'Clure, Dane, and Morton - did not get beyond 83? north latitude, + +seven degrees from the pole - whereas Australia has several times been crossed + +from south to north by the bold Stuart; and even Africa, with all its terrors, + +was traversed by Livingstone from the Bay of Loanga to the mouth of the Zambesi. + +We are, therefore, nearer to geographical knowledge of the equatorial countries + +than of the Polar districts."</p> + +<p>"Do you think that the Pole itself will ever be reached by man?" inquired Mrs + +Paulina Barnett.</p> + +<p>"Certainly," replied Hobson, adding with a smile, "by man or woman. But I + +think other means must be tried of reaching this point, where all the meridians + +of the globe cross each other, than those hitherto adopted by travellers. We + +hear of the open sea, of which certain explorers are said to have caught a + +glimpse. But if such a sea, free from ice, really exist, it is very difficult to + +get at, and no one can say positively whether it extends to the North Pole. For + +my part, I think an open sea would increase rather than lessen the difficulties + +of explorers. As for me, I would rather count upon firm footing, whether on ice + +or rock, all the way. Then I would organise successive expeditions, establishing + +depots of provisions and fuel nearer and nearer to the Pole; and so, with plenty + +of time, plenty of money, and perhaps the sacrifice of a good many lives, I + +should in the end solve the great scientific problem. I should, I think, at last + +reach the hitherto inaccessible goal !"</p> + +<p>"I think you are right, Lieutenant," said Mrs Barnett; "and if ever you try + +the experiment, I should not be afraid to join you, and would gladly go to set + +up the Union Jack at the North Pole. But that is not our present object."</p> + +<p>"Not our <i>immediate</i> object, madam," replied Hobson; "but when once the + +projects of the Company are realised, when the new fort has been erected on the + +confines of the American continent, it may become the natural starting-point of + +all expeditions to the north. Besides, should the fur-yielding animals, too + +zealously hunted, take refuge at the Pole, we should have to follow them."</p> + +<p>"Unless costly furs should go out of fashion," replied Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>"O madam," cried the Lieutenant, "there will always be some pretty woman + +whose wish for a sable muff or an ermine tippet must be gratified !"</p> + +<p>"I am afraid so," said Mrs Barnett, laughing; "and probably the first + +discoverer of the Pole will have been led thither in pursuit of a sable or a + +silver fox."</p> + +<p>"That is my conviction," replied Hobson. " Such is human nature, and greed of + +gain will always carry a man further than zeal for science."</p> + +<p>"What! do <i>you</i> utter such sentiments?" exclaimed Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>"Well, madam, what am I but an <i>employe</i> of the Hudson's Bay Company? + +and does the Company risk its capital and agents with any other hope than an + +increase of profits?"</p> + +<p>"Lieutenant Hobson," said Mrs Barnett, "I think I know you well enough to + +assert that on occasion you would be ready to devote body and soul to science. + +If a purely geographical question called you to the Pole, I feel sure you would + +not hesitate to go. But," she added, with a smile, "the solution of this great + +problem is still far distant. We have but just reached the verge of the Arctic + +Circle, but I hope we may cross it without any very great difficulty."</p> + +<p>"That I fear is doubtful," said the Lieutenant, who had been attentively + +examining the sky during their conversation. "The weather has looked threatening + +for the last few days. Look at the uniformly grey hue of the heavens. That mist + +will presently resolve itself into snow; and if the wind should rise ever so + +little, we shall have to battle with a fearful storm. I wish we were at the + +Great Bear Lake !"</p> + +<p>"Do not let us lose any time, then," said Mrs Barnett, rising; "give the + +signal to start at once."</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant needed no urging. Had he been alone, or accompanied by a few + +men as energetic as himself, he would have pressed on day and night; but he was + +obliged to make allowance for the fatigue of others, although he never spared + +himself. He therefore granted a few hours of rest to his little party, and it + +was not until three in the afternoon that they again set out.</p> + +<p>Jaspar Hobson was not mistaken in prophesying a change in the weather. It + +came very soon. During the afternoon of the same day the mist became thicker, + +and assumed a yellowish and threatening hue. The Lieutenant, although very + +uneasy, allowed none of his anxiety to appear, but had a long consultation with + +Sergeant Long whilst the dogs of his sledge were laboriously preparing to + +start.</p> + +<p>Unfortunately, the district now to be traversed was very unsuitable for + +sledges. The ground was very uneven; ravines were of frequent occurrence; and + +masses of granite or half-thawed icebergs blocked up the road, causing constant + +delay. The poor dogs did their best, but the drivers' whips no longer produced + +any effect upon them.</p> + +<p>And so the Lieutenant and his men were often obliged to walk to rest the + +exhausted animals, to push the sledges, or even sometimes to lift them when the + +roughness of the ground threatened to upset them. The incessant fatigue was, + +however, borne by all without a murmur. Thomas Black alone, absorbed in his one + +idea, never got out of his sledge, and indeed be was so corpulent that all + +exertion was disagreeable to him.</p> + +<p>The nature of the soil changed from the moment of entering the Arctic Circle. + +Some geological convulsion had evidently upheaved the enormous blocks strewn + +upon the surface. The vegetation, too, was of a more distinctive character. + +Wherever they were sheltered from the keen north winds, the flanks of the hills + +were clothed not only with shrubs, but with large trees, all of the same species + +- pines, willows, and firs - proving by their presence that a certain amount of + +vegetative force is retained even in the Frigid Zone. Jaspar Hobson hoped to + +find such specimens of the Arctic Flora even on the verge of the Polar Sea; for + +these trees would supply him with wood to build his fort, and fuel to warm its + +inhabitants. The same thought passed through the minds of his companions, and + +they could not help wondering at the contrast between this comparatively fertile + +region, and the long white plains stretching between the Great Slave Lake and + +Fort Enterprise.</p> + +<p>At night the yellow mist became more opaque; the wind rose, the snow began to + +fall in large flakes, and the ground was soon covered with a thick white carpet. + +In less than an hour the snow was a foot deep, and as it did not freeze but + +remained in a liquid state, the sledges could only advance with extreme + +difficulty; the curved fronts stuck in the soft substance, and the dogs were + +obliged to stop again and again.</p> + +<p>Towards eight o'clock in the evening the wind became very boisterous. The + +snow, driven before it, was flung upon the ground or whirled in the air, forming + +one huge whirlpool. The dogs, beaten back by the squall and blinded with snow, + +could advance no further. The party was then in a narrow gorge between huge + +icebergs, over which the storm raged with fearful fury. Pieces of ice, broken + +off by the hurricane, were hurled into the pass; partial avalanches, any one of + +which could have crushed the sledges and their inmates, added to its dangers, + +and to press on became impossible. The Lieutenant no longer insisted, and after + +consulting with Sergeant Long, gave the order to halt. It was now necessary to + +find a shelter from the snow-drift; but this was no difficult matter to men + +accustomed to Polar expeditions. Jaspar Hobson and his men knew well what they + +had to do under the circumstances. It was not the first time they had been + +surprised by a tempest some hundred miles from the forts of the Company, without + +so much as an Esquimaux hut or Indian hovel in which to lay their heads.</p> + +<p>"To the icebergs! to the icebergs !" cried Jaspar Hobson.</p> + +<p>Every one understood what he meant. Snow houses were to be hollowed out of + +the frozen masses, or rather holes were to be dug, in which each person could + +cower until the storm was over. Knives and hatchets were soon at work on the + +brittle masses of ice, and in three-quarters of an hour some ten dens had been + +scooped out large enough to contain two or three persons each. The dogs were + +left to themselves, their own instinct leading them to find sufficient shelter + +under the snow.</p> + +<p>Before ten o'clock all the travellers were crouching in the snow houses, in + +groups of two or three, each choosing congenial companions. Mrs Barnett, Madge, + +and Lieutenant Hobson occupied one hut, Thomas Black and Sergeant Long another, + +and so on. These retreats were warm, if not comfortable; and the Esquimaux and + +Indians have no other refuge even in the bitterest cold. The adventurers could + +therefore fearlessly await the end of the storm as long as they took care not to + +let the openings of their holes become blocked up with the snow, which they had + +to shovel away every half hour. So violent was the storm that even the + +Lieutenant and his soldiers could scarcely set foot outside. Fortunately, all + +were provided with sufficient food, and were able to endure their beaver-like + +existence without suffering from cold or hunger</p> + +<p>For forty-eight hours the fury of the tempest continued to increase. The wind + +roared in the narrow pass, and tore off the tops of the icebergs. Loud reports, + +repeated twenty times by the echoes, gave notice of the fall of avalanches, and + +Jaspar Hobson began to fear that his further progress would be barred by the + +masses of <i>debris</i> accumulated between the mountains. Other sounds mingled + +with these reports, which Lieutenant Hobson knew too well, and he did not + +disguise from Mrs Barnett that bears were prowling about the pass. But + +fortunately these terrible animals were too much occupied with their own + +concerns to discover the retreat of the travellers; neither the dogs nor the + +sledges, buried in the snow, attracted their attention, and they passed on + +without doing any harm.</p> + +<p>The last night, that of the 25th or 26th May, was even more terrible. So + +great was the fury of the hurricane that a general overthrow of icebergs + +appeared imminent. A fearful death would then have awaited the unfortunate + +travellers beneath the ruins of the broken masses. The blocks of ice cracked + +with an awful noise, and certain oscillations gave warning that breaches had + +been made threatening their solidity. However, no great crash occurred, the huge + +mountains remained intact, and towards the end of the night one of those sudden + +changes so frequent in the Arctic regions took place; the tempest ceased + +suddenly beneath the influence of intense cold, and with the first dawn of day + +peace was restored.</p> +<a name="VIII" id="VIII"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER VIII.</h4> + +<h4><i>THE GREAT BEAR LAKE.</i></h4> + +<p>This sudden increase of cold was most fortunate. Even in temperate climes + +there are generally three or four bitter days in May; and they were most + +serviceable now in consolidating the freshly-fallen snow, and making it + +practicable for sledges. Lieutenant Hobson, therefore, lost no time in resuming + +his journey, urging on the dogs to their utmost speed.</p> + +<p>The route was, however, slightly changed. Instead of bearing due north, the + +expedition advanced towards the west, following, so to speak, the curve of the + +Arctic Circle. The Lieutenant was most anxious to reach Fort Confidence, built + +on the northern extremity of the Great Bear Lake. These few cold days were of + +the greatest service to him; he advanced rapidly, no obstacle was encountered, + +and his little troop arrived at the factory on the 30th May.</p> + +<p>At this time Forts Confidence and Good Hope were the most advanced posts of + +the Company in the north. Fort Confidence was a most important position, built + +on the northern extremity of the lake, close to its waters, which being frozen + +over in winter, and navigable in summer, afforded easy access to Fort Franklin, + +on the southern shores, and promoted the coming and going of the Indian hunters + +with their daily spoils. Many were the hunting and fishing expeditions which + +started from Forts Confidence and Good Hope, especially from the former. The + +Great Bear Lake is quite a Mediterranean Sea, extending over several degrees of + +latitude and longitude. Its shape is very irregular : two promontories jut into + +it towards the centre, and the upper portion forms a triangle; its appearance, + +as a whole, much resembling the extended skin of a ruminant without the + +head.</p> + +<p>Fort Confidence was built at the end of the " right paw," at least two + +hundred miles from Coronation Gulf, one of the numerous estuaries which + +irregularly indent the coast of North America. It was therefore situated beyond + +the Arctic Circle, but three degrees south of the seventieth parallel, north of + +which the Hudson's Bay Company proposed forming a new settlement.</p> + +<p>Fort Confidence, as a whole, much resembled other factories further south. It + +consisted of a house for the officers, barracks for the soldiers, and magazines + +for the furs - all of wood, surrounded by palisades. The captain in command was + +then absent. He had gone towards the east on a hunting expedition with a few + +Indians and soldiers. The last season had not been good, costly furs had been + +scarce; but to make up for this the lake had supplied plenty of otter-skins. The + +stock of them had, however, just been sent to the central factories in the + +south, so that the magazines of Fort Confidence were empty on the arrival of our + +party.</p> + +<p>In the absence of the Captain a Sergeant did the honours of the fort to + +Jaspar Hobson and his companions. This second officer, Felton by name was a + +brother-in-law of Sergeant Long. He showed the greatest readiness to assist the + +views of the Lieutenant, who being anxious to rest his party, decided on + +remaining two or three days at Fort Confidence. In the absence of the little + +garrison there was plenty of room, and dogs and men were soon comfortably + +installed. The best room in the largest house was of course given to Mrs Paulina + +Barnett, who was delighted with the politeness of Sergeant Felton.</p> + +<p>Jaspar Hobson's first care was to ask Felton if any Indians from the north + +were then beating the shores of the Great Bear Lake</p> + +<p>"Yes, Lieutenant," replied the Sergeant; "we have just received notice of the + +encampment of a party of Hare Indians on the other northern extremity of the + +lake."</p> + +<p>"How far from here?" inquired Hobson.</p> + +<p>"About thirty miles," replied Sergeant Felton. "Do you wish to enter into + +communication with these Indians?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Hobson; they may be able to give me some valuable information + +about the districts bordering on the Arctic Ocean, and bounded by Cape Bathurst. + +Should the site be favourable, I propose constructing our new fort somewhere + +about there."</p> + +<p>"Well, Lieutenant, nothing is easier than to go to the Hare encampment."</p> + +<p>"Along the shores of the lake?"</p> + +<p>"No, across it; it is now free from ice, and the wind is favourable. We will + +place a cutter and a boatman at your service, and in a few hours you will be in + +the Indian settlement."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, Sergeant; to-morrow, then." Whenever you like, Lieutenant."</p> + +<p>The start was fixed for the next morning; and when Mrs Paulina Barnett heard + +of the plan, she begged the Lieutenant to allow her to accompany him, which of + +course he readily did.</p> + +<p>But now to tell how the rest of this first day was passed. Mrs Barnett, + +Hobson, two or three soldiers, Madge, Mrs Mac-Nab, and Joliffe explored the + +shores of the lake under the guidance of Felton. The neighbourhood was by no + +means barren of vegetation; the hills, now free from snow, were crowned by + +resinous trees of the Scotch pine species. These trees, which attain a height of + +some forty feet, supply the inhabitants of the forts with plenty of fuel through + +the long winter. Their thick trunks and dark gloomy branches form a striking + +feature of the landscape; but the regular clumps of equal height, sloping down + +to the very edge of the water, are somewhat monotonous. Between the groups of + +trees the soil was clothed with a sort of whitish weed, which perfumed the air + +with a sweet thymy odour. Sergeant Felton informed his guests that this plant + +was called the " herb of incense " on account of the fragrance it emits when + +burnt.</p> + +<p>Some hundred steps from the fort the party came to a little natural harbour + +shut in by high granite rocks, which formed an admirable protection from the + +heavy surf. Here was anchored the fleet of Fort Confidence, consisting of a + +single fishing-boat-the very one which was to take Mrs Barnett and Hobson to the + +Indian encampment the next day. From this harbour an extensive view was obtained + +of the lake; its waters slightly agitated by the wind, with its irregular shores + +broken by jagged capes and intersected by creeks. The wooded heights beyond, + +with here and there the rugged outline of a floating iceberg standing out + +against the clear blue air, formed the background on the north; whilst on the + +south a regular sea horizon, a circular line clearly cutting sky and water, and + +at this moment glittering in the sunbeams, bounded the sight.</p> + +<p>The whole scene was rich in animal and vegetable life. The surface of the + +water, the shores strewn with flints and blocks of granite, the slopes with + +their tapestry of herbs, the tree-crowned hill-tops, were all alike frequented + +by various specimens of the feathered tribe. Several varieties of ducks, + +uttering their different cries and calls, eider ducks, whistlers spotted + +redshanks, "old women," those loquacious birds whose beak is never closed, + +skimmed the surface of the lake. Hundreds of puffins and guillemots with + +outspread wings darted about in every direction, and beneath the trees strutted + +ospreys two feet high-a kind of hawk with a grey body, blue beak and claws, and + +orange-coloured eyes, which build their huge nests of marine plants in the + +forked branches of trees. The hunter Sabine managed to bring down a couple of + +these gigantic ospreys, which measured nearly six feet from tip to tip of their + +wings, and were therefore magnificent specimens of these migratory birds, who + +feed entirely on fish, and take refuge on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico when + +winter sets in, only visiting the higher latitudes of North America during the + +short summer.</p> + +<p>But the most interesting event of the day was the capture of an otter, the + +skin of which was worth several hundred roubles.</p> + +<p>The furs of these valuable amphibious creatures were once much sought after + +in China; and although the demand for them has considerably decreased in the + +Celestial Empire, they still command very high prices in the Russian market. + +Russian traders, ready to buy up sea-otter skins, travel all along the coasts of + +New Cornwall as far as the Arctic Ocean; and of course, thus hunted, the animal + +is becoming very rare. It has taken refuge further and further north, and the + +trackers have now to pursue it on the shores of the Kamtchatka Sea, and in the + +islands of the Behring Archipelago.</p> + +<p>"But," added Sergeant Felton, after the preceding explanation, "American + +inland otters are not to be despised, and those which frequent the Great Bear + +Lake are worth from ?50 to ?60 each."</p> + +<p>The Sergeant was right; magnificent otters are found in these waters, and he + +himself skilfully tracked and killed one in the presence of his visitors which + +was scarcely inferior in value to those from Kamtchatka itself. The creature + +measured three feet from the muzzle to the end of its tail; it had webbed feet, + +short legs, and its fur, darker on the upper than on the under part of its body, + +was long and silky.</p> + +<p>"A good shot, Sergeant," said Lieutenant Hobson, who with Mrs Barnett had + +been attentively examining the magnificent fur of the dead animal.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Lieutenant," replied Felton; "and if each day brought us such a skin as + +that, we should have nothing to complain of. But much time is wasted in watching + +these animals, who swim and dive with marvellous rapidity. We generally hunt + +them at night, as they very seldom venture from their homes in the trunks of + +trees or the holes of rocks in the daytime, and even expert hunters find it very + +difficult to discover their retreats."</p> + +<p>"And are these otters also becoming scarcer and scarcer?" inquired Mrs + +Barnett.</p> + +<p>"Yes, madam," replied the Sergeant; "and when this species becomes extinct, + +the profits of the Company will sensibly decline. All the hunters try to obtain + +its fur, and the Americans in particular are formidable rivals to us. Did you + +not meet any American agents on your journey up, Lieutenant?"</p> + +<p>"Not one," replied Hobson. "Do they ever penetrate as far as this?"</p> + +<p>"Oh yes !" said the Sergeant; "and when you hear of their approach, I advise + +you to be on your guard."</p> + +<p>"Are these agents, then, highway robbers?" asked Mrs Paulina Barnett.</p> + +<p>"No, madam," replied the Sergeant; "but they are formidable rivals, and when + +game is scarce, hunters often come to blows about it. I daresay that if the + +Company's attempt to establish a fort on the verge of the Arctic Ocean be + +successful, its example will at once be followed by these Americans, whom Heaven + +confound!"</p> + +<p>"Bah!" exclaimed the Lieutenant; "the hunting districts are vast, and there's + +room beneath the sun for everybody. As for us, let's make a start to begin with. + +Let us press on as long as we have firm ground beneath our feet, and God be with + +us!"</p> + +<p>After a walk of three hours the visitors returned to Fort Confidence, where a + +good meal of fish and fresh venison awaited them. Sergeant Long did the honours + +of the table, and after a little pleasant conversation, all retired to rest to + +forget their fatigues in a healthy and refreshing sleep.</p> + +<p>The next day, May 31st, Mrs Barnett and Jaspar Hobson were on foot at five + +A.M. The Lieutenant intended to devote this day to visiting the Indian + +encampment, and obtaining as much useful information as possible. He asked + +Thomas Black to go with him, but the astronomer preferred to remain on <i>terra + +firma</i>. He wished to make a few astronomical observations, and to determine + +exactly the latitude and longitude of Fort Confidence; so that Mrs Barnett and + +Jaspar Hobson had to cross the lake alone, under the guidance of an old boatman + +named Norman, who had long been in the Company's service.</p> + +<p>The two travellers were accompanied by Sergeant Long as far as the little + +harbour, where they found old Norman ready to embark. Their little vessel was + +but an open fishing-boat, six feet long, rigged like a cutter, which one man + +could easily manage. The weather was beautiful, and the slight breeze blowing + +from the north-east was favourable to the crossing. Sergeant Felton took leave + +of his guests with many apologies for being unable to accompany them in the + +absence of his chief. The boat was let loose from its moorings, and tacking to + +starboard, shot across the clear waters of the lake.</p> + +<p>The little trip passed pleasantly enough. The taciturn old sailor sat silent + +in the stern of the boat with the tiller tucked under his arm. Mrs Barnett and + +Lieutenant Hobson, seated opposite to each other, examined with interest the + +scenery spread out before them. The boat skirted the northern shores of the lake + +at about three miles' distance, following a rectilinear direction, so that the + +wooded heights sloping gradually to the west were distinctly visible. From this + +side the district north of the lake appeared perfectly flat, and the horizon + +receded to a considerable distance. The whole of this coast contrasted strongly + +with the sharp angle, at the extremity of which rose Fort Confidence, framed in + +green pines. The flag of the Company was still visible floating from the tower + +of the fort. The oblique rays of the sun lit up the surface of the water, and + +striking on the floating icebergs, seemed to convert them into molten silver of + +dazzling brightness. No trace remained of the solid ice-mountains of the winter + +but these moving relies, which the solar rays could scarcely dissolve, and which + +seemed, as it were, to protest against the brilliant but not very powerful Polar + +sun, now describing a diurnal arc of considerable length.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett and the Lieutenant, as was their custom, communicated to each + +other the thoughts suggested by the strange scenes through which they were + +passing. They laid up a store of pleasant recollections for the future whilst + +the beat floated rapidly along upon the peaceful waves.</p> + +<p>The party started at six in the morning, and at nine they neared the point on + +the northern bank at which they were to land. The Indian encampment was situated + +at the north-west angle of the Great Bear Lake. Before ten o'clock old Norman + +ran the boat aground on a low bank at the foot of a cliff of moderate height. + +Mrs Barnett and the Lieutenant landed at once. Two or three Indians, with their + +chief, wearing gorgeous plumes, hastened to meet them, and addressed them in + +fairly intelligible English.</p> + +<p>These Hare Indians, like the Copper and Beaver Indians, all belong to the + +Chippeway race, and differ but little in customs and costumes from their + +fellow-tribes. They are in constant communication with the factories, and have + +become, so to speak, "Britainised" - at least as much so as is possible for + +savages. They bring the spoils of the chase to the forts, and there exchange + +them for the necessaries of life, which they no longer provide for themselves. + +They are in the pay of the Company, they live upon it, and it is not surprising + +that they have lost all originality. To find a native race as yet uninfluenced + +by contact with Europeans we must go to still higher latitudes, to the ice-bound + +regions frequented by the Esquimaux, who, like the Greenlanders, are the true + +children of Arctic lands.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett and Jaspar Hobson accompanied the Indians to their camp, about + +half a mile from the shore, and found some thirty natives there, men, women, and + +children, who supported themselves by hunting and fishing on the borders of the + +lake. These Indians had just come from the northernmost districts of the + +American continent, and were able to give the Lieutenant some valuable, although + +necessarily incomplete, information on the actual state of the sea-coast near + +the seventieth parallel. The Lieutenant heard with considerable satisfaction + +that a party of Americans or Europeans had been seen on the confines of the + +Polar Sea, and that it was open at this time of year. About Cape Bathurst, + +properly so called, the point for which he intended to make, the Hare Indians + +could tell him nothing. Their chief said, however, that the district between the + +Great Bear Lake and Cape Bathurst was very difficult to cross, being hilly and + +intersected by streams, at this season of the year free from ice. He advised the + +Lieutenant to go down the Coppermine river, from the north-east of the lake, + +which would take him to the coast by the shortest route. Once at the Arctic + +Ocean, it would be easy to skirt along its shores and to choose the best spot at + +Which to halt.</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Hobson thanked the Indian chief, and took leave after giving him a + +few presents. Then accompanied by Mrs Barnett, he explored the neighbourhood of + +the camp, not returning to the boat until nearly three o'clock in the + +afternoon.</p> +<a name="IX" id="IX"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER IX.</h4> + +<h4><i>A STORM ON THE LAKE.</i></h4> + +<p>The old sailor was impatiently awaiting the return of the travellers; for + +during the last hour the weather had changed, and the appearance of the sky was + +calculated to render any one accustomed to read the signs of the clouds uneasy. + +The sun was obscured by a thick mist, the wind had fallen, but - an ominous + +moaning was heard from the south of the lake. These symptoms of an approaching + +change of temperature were developed with all the rapidity peculiar to these + +elevated latitudes.</p> + +<p>"Let us be off, sir! let us be off!" cried old Norman, looking anxiously at + +the fog above his head. " Let us start without losing an instant. There are + +terrible signs in the air!"</p> + +<p>"Indeed," exclaimed the Lieutenant, "the appearance of the sky is quite + +changed, and we never noticed it, Mrs Barnett!"</p> + +<p>"Are you afraid of a storm?" inquired the lady of old Norman.</p> + +<p>"Yes, madam," replied the old sailor; "and the storms on the Great Bear Lake + +are often terrible. The hurricane rages as if upon the open Atlantic Ocean. This + +sudden fog bodes us no good; but the tempest may hold back for three or four + +hours, and by that time we shall be at Fort Confidence. Let us then start + +without a moment's delay, for the boat would not be safe near these rocks."</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant, feeling that the old man, accustomed as he was to navigate + +these waters, was better able to judge than himself, decided to follow his + +advice, and embarked at once with Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>But just as they were pushing off, old Norman, as if possessed by some sudden + +presentiment, murmured -</p> + +<p>"Perhaps it would be better to wait."</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Hobson overheard these words, and looked inquiringly at the old + +boatman, already seated at the helm. Had he been alone he would not have + +hesitated to start, but as Mrs Barnett was with him caution was necessary. The + +lady at once saw and understood his hesitation.</p> + +<p>"Never mind about me, Lieutenant," she said; "act as if I were not present. + +Let us start immediately , as our brave guide suggests."</p> + +<p>"We are off, then," cried Norman, letting go the moorings, "to the fort by + +the shortest route."</p> + +<p>For about an hour the bark made little head. The sail, scarcely filled by the + +fitful breeze, flapped against the mast. The fog became thicker. The waves began + +to rise and the boat to rock considerably; for the approaching hurricane + +affected the water sooner than the atmosphere itself. The two travellers sat + +still and silent, whilst the old sailor peered into the darkness with bloodshot + +eyes. Prepared for all contingencies, he awaited the shock of the wind, ready to + +pay out rapidly should the attack be very violent. The conflict of the elements + +had not, however, as yet commenced; and all would have been well if they bad + +been able to advance, but after an hour's sail they were still only about two + +hours' distance from the Indian encampment. A few gusts of wind from the shore + +drove them out of their course, and the dense fog rendered it impossible for + +them to make out the coast-line. Should the wind settle in the north it would + +probably go hard with the light boat, which, unable to hold its own course, + +would be drifted out into the lake no one knew where.</p> + +<p>"We are scarcely advancing at all," said the Lieutenant to old Norman.</p> + +<p>"No, sir," replied Norman; "the wind is not strong enough to fill the sail, + +and if it were, I fear it comes from the wrong quarter. If so," he added, + +pointing to the south, "we may see Fort Franklin before Fort Confidence."</p> + +<p>"Well," said Mrs Barnett cheerfully, "our trip will have been all the more + +complete. This is a magnificent lake, well worth exploring from north to south. + +I suppose, Norman, one might get back even from Fort Franklin?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, madam, if we ever reach it," replied the old man. "But tempests lasting + +fifteen days are by no means rare on this lake; and if our bad luck should drive + +us to the south, it may be a month before Lieutenant Hobson again sees Fort + +Confidence."</p> + +<p>"Let us be careful, then," said the Lieutenant; "for such a delay, would + +hinder our projects very much. Do the best you can under the circumstances, and + +if you think it would be prudent, go back to the north. I don't suppose Mrs + +Barnett would mind a walk of twenty or twenty-five miles."</p> + +<p>I should be glad enough to go back to the north, Lieutenant," replied Norman, + +"if it were still possible. But look, the wind seems likely to settle against + +us. All I can attempt is to get to the cape on the north-east, and if it doesn't + +blow too hard, I hope to succeed."</p> + +<p>But at about half-past four the storm broke. The shrill whistling of the wind + +was heard far above their heads, but the state of the atmosphere prevented it + +from as yet descending upon the lake; this was, however, only delayed for a + +brief space of time. The cries of frightened birds flying through the fog + +mingled with the noise of the wind. Suddenly the mist was torn open, and + +revealed low jagged masses of rain-cloud chased towards the south. The fears of + +the old sailor were realised. The wind blew from the north, and it was not long + +before the travellers learned the meaning of a squall upon the lake.</p> + +<p>"Look out!" cried old Norman, tightening sail so as to get his boat ahead of + +the wind, whilst keeping her under control of the helm.</p> + +<p>The squall came. It caught the boat upon the flank, and it was turned over on + +its side; but recovering itself, it was flung upon the crest of a wave. The + +billows surged as if upon an open sea. The waters of the lake not being very + +deep, struck against the bottom and rebounded to an immense height.</p> + +<p>"Help! help!" cried old Norman, hurriedly struggling to haul down his + +sail.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett and Hobson endeavoured to come to his assistance, but without + +success, for they knew noticing of the management of a boat. Norman, unable to + +leave the helm, and the halliards being entangled at the top of the mast, could + +not take in the sail. Every moment the boat threatened to capsize, and heavy + +seas broke over its sides. The sky became blacker and blacker, cold rain mingled + +with snow fell in torrents, whilst the squall redoubled its fury, lashing the + +crests of the waves into foam.</p> + +<p>"Cut it! cut it!" screamed Norman above the roaring of the storm.</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant, his cap blown away and his eyes blinded by the spray, seized + +Norman's knife and cut the halliard like a harp-string; but the wet cordage no + +longer acted in the grooves of the pulleys, and the yard remained attached to + +the top of the mast.</p> + +<p>Norman, totally unable to make head against the wind, now resolved to tack + +about for the south, dangerous as it would be to have the boat before the wind, + +pursued by waves advancing at double its speed. Yes, to tack, although this + +course would probably bring them all to the southern shores of the lake, far + +away from their destination.</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant and his brave companion were well aware of the danger which + +threatened them. The frail boat could not long resist the blows of the waves, it + +would either be crushed or capsized; the lives of those within it were in the + +hands of God.</p> + +<p>But neither yielded to despair; clinging to the sides of the boat, wet to the + +skin, chilled to the bone by the cutting blast, they strove to gaze through the + +thick mist and fog. All trace of the land had disappeared, and so great was the + +obscurity that at a cable's length from the boat clouds and waves could not be + +distinguished from each other. Now and then the two travellers looked + +inquiringly into old Norman's face, who, with teeth set and hands clutching the + +tiller; tried to keep his boat as much as possible under wind.</p> + +<p>But the violence of the squall became such that the boat could not long + +maintain this course. The waves which struck its bow would soon have inevitably + +crushed it; the front planks were already beginning to separate, and when its + +whole weight was flung into the hollows of the waves it seemed as if it could + +rise no more.</p> + +<p>"We must tack, we must tack, whatever happens !" murmured the old sailor.</p> + +<p>And pushing the tiller and paying out sail, he turned the head of the boat to + +the south. The sail, stretched to the utmost, brought the boat round with giddy + +rapidity, and the immense waves, chased by the wind, threatened to engulf the + +little bark. This was the great danger of shifting with the wind right aft. The + +billows hurled themselves in rapid succession upon the boat, which could not + +evade them. It filled rapidly, and the water bad to be baled out without a + +moment's pause, or it must have foundered. As they got nearer and nearer to the + +middle of the lake the waves became rougher. Nothing there broke the fury of the + +wind; no clumps of trees, no hills, checked for a moment the headlong course of + +the hurricane. Now and then momentary glimpses were obtained through the fog of + +icebergs dancing like buoys upon the waves, and driven towards the south of the + +lake.</p> + +<p>It was half-past five. Neither Norman nor the Lieutenant had any idea of + +where they were, or whither they were going. They had lost all control over the + +boat, and were at the mercy of the winds and waves.</p> + +<p>And now at about a hundred feet behind the boat a huge wave upreared its + +foam-crowned crest, whilst in front a black whirlpool was formed by the sudden + +sinking of the water. All surface agitation, crushed by the wind, had + +disappeared around this awful gulf, which, growing deeper and blacker every + +moment, drew the devoted little vessel towards its fatal embrace. Ever nearer + +came the mighty wave, all lesser billows sinking into insignificance before it. + +It gained upon the boat, another moment and it would crush it to atoms. Norman, + +looking round, saw its approach; and Mrs Barnett and the Lieutenant, with eyes + +fixed and staring, awaited in fearful suspense the blow from which there was no + +escape. The wave broke over them with the noise of thunder; it enveloped the + +stern of the boat in foam, a fearful crash was heard, and a cry burst from the + +lips of the Lieutenant and his companion, smothered beneath the liquid mass.</p> + +<p>They thought that all was over, and that the boat had sunk; but no, it rose + +once more, although more than half filled with water.</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant uttered a cry of despair. Where was Norman? The poor old + +sailor had disappeared !</p> + +<p>Mrs Paulina Barnett looked inquiringly at Hobson.</p> + +<p>"Norman!" he repeated, pointing to his empty place.</p> + +<p>"Unhappy man !" murmured Mrs Barnett; and at the risk of being flung from the + +boat rocking on the waves, the two started to their feet and looked around them. + +But they could see and hear nothing. No cry for help broke upon their ears. No + +dead body floated in the white foam. The old sailor had met his death in the + +element he loved so well.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett and Hobson sank back upon their seats. They were now alone, and + +must see to their own safety; but neither of them knew anything of the + +management of a boat, and even an experienced hand could scarcely have + +controlled it now. They were at the mercy of the waves, and the bark, with + +distended sail, swept along in mad career. What could the Lieutenant do to check + +or direct its course?</p> + +<p>What a terrible situation for our travellers, to be thus overtaken by a + +tempest in a frail bark which they could not manage !</p> + +<p>"We are lost!" said the Lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"No, Lieutenant," replied Mrs Barnett; "let us make another effort. Heaven + +helps those who help themselves !"</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Hobson now for the first time realised with how intrepid a woman + +fate had thrown him.</p> + +<p>The first thing to be done was to get rid of the water which weighed down the + +boat. Another wave shipped would have filled it in a moment, and it must have + +sunk at once. The vessel lightened, it would have a better chance of rising on + +the waves; and the two set to work to bale out the water. This was no easy task; + +for fresh waves constantly broke over them, and the scoop could not be laid + +aside for an instant. Mrs Barnett was indefatigable, and the Lieutenant, leaving + +the baling to her, took the helm himself, and did the best he could to guide the + +boat with the wind right aft.</p> + +<p>To add to the danger, night, or rather darkness, for in these latitudes night + +only lasts a few hours at this time of year, fell upon them. Scarce a ray of + +light penetrated through the heavy clouds and fog. They could not see two yards + +before them, and the boat must have been dashed to pieces had it struck a + +floating iceberg. This danger was indeed imminent, for the loose ice-masses + +advance with such rapidity that it is impossible to get out of their way.</p> + +<p>"You have no control over the helm?" said Mrs Barnett in a slight lull of the + +storm.</p> + +<p>No, madam he replied; "and you must prep are for the worst."</p> + +<p>"I am ready!" replied the courageous woman simply.</p> + +<p>As she spoke a loud rippling sound was heard. The sail, torn away by the + +wind, disappeared like a white cloud. The boat sped rapidly along for a few + +instants, and then stopped suddenly, the waves buffeting it about like an + +abandoned wreck. Mrs Barnett and Hobson, flung to the bottom of the boat, + +bruised, shaken, and torn, felt that all was lost. Not a shred of canvas was + +left to aid in navigating the craft; and what with the spray, the snow, and the + +rain, they could scarcely see each other, whilst the uproar drowned their + +voices. Expecting every moment to perish, they remained for an hour in painful + +suspense, commending themselves to God, who alone could save them.</p> + +<p>Neither of them could have said how long they waited when they were aroused + +by a violent shock.</p> + +<p>The boat had just struck an enormous iceberg, a floating block with rugged, + +slippery sides, to which it would be impossible to cling.</p> + +<p>At this sudden blow, which could not have been parried, the bow of the boat + +was split open, and the water poured into it in torrents.</p> + +<p>"We are sinking! we are sinking !" cried Jasper Hobson.</p> + +<p>He was right. The boat was settling down; the water had already reached the + +seats.</p> + +<p>"Madam, madam, I am here! I will not leave you!" added the Lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"No, no," cried Mrs Barnett : "alone, you may save yourself; together, we + +should perish. Leave me! leave me!"</p> + +<p>"Never!" cried Hobson.</p> + +<p>But he had scarcely pronounced this word when the boat, struck by another + +wave, filled and sank.</p> + +<p>Both were drawn under water by the eddy caused by the sudden settling down of + +the boat, but in a few instants they rose to the surface. Hobson was a strong + +swimmer, and struck out with one arm, supporting his companion with the other. + +But it was evident that he could not long sustain a conflict with the furious + +waves, and that he must perish with her he wished to save.</p> + +<p>At this moment a strange sound attracted his attention. It was not the cry of + +a frightened bird, but the shout of a human voice! By one supreme effort Hobson + +raised himself above the waves and looked around him.</p> + +<p>But he could distinguish nothing in the thick fog. And yet he again beard + +cries, this time nearer to him. Some bold men were coming to his succour! Alas! + +if it were so, they would arrive too late. Encumbered by his clothes, the + +Lieutenant felt himself sinking with the unfortunate lady, whose head he could + +scarcely keep above the water. With a last despairing effort he uttered a + +heartrending cry and disappeared beneath the waves.</p> + +<p>It was, however, no mistake-he had heard voices. Three men, wandering about + +by the lake, had seen the boat in danger, and put off to its rescue. They were + +Esquimaux, the only men who could have hoped to weather such a storm, for theirs + +are the only boats constructed to escape destruction in these fearful + +tempests.</p> + +<p>The Esquimaux boat or <i>kayak is</i> a long pirogue raised at each end, made + +of a light framework of wood, covered with stretched seal-skins strongly + +stitched with the sinews of the Walrus. In the upper part of the boat; also + +covered with skins, is an opening in which the Esquimaux takes his place, + +fastening his waterproof jacket to the back of his seat; so that he is actually + +joined to his bark, which not a drop of water can penetrate. This light, + +easily-managed <i>kayak,</i> floating as it does, on the crests of the waves, + +can never be submerged; and if it be sometimes capsized, a blow of the paddle + +rights it again directly; so that it is able to live and make way in seas in + +which any other boat would certainly be dashed to pieces.</p> + +<p>The three Esquimaux, guided by the Lieutenant's last despairing cry, arrived + +at the scene of the wreck joints in time. Hobson and Mrs Barnett, already half + +drowned, felt themselves drawn up by powerful hands; but in the darkness they + +were unable to discover who were their deliverers. One of the men took the + +Lieutenant and laid him across his own boat, another did the sane for Mrs + +Barnett, and the three <i>kayaks,</i> skilfully managed with the paddles, six + +feet long, sped rapidly over the white foam.</p> + +<p>Half an hour afterwards, the shipwrecked travellers were lying on the sandy + +beach three miles above Fort Providence.</p> + +<p>The old sailor alone was missing !</p> +<a name="X" id="X"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER X.</h4> + +<h4><i>A RETROSPECT.</i></h4> + +<p>It was about ten o'clock the same night when Mrs Barnett and Lieutenant + +Hobson knocked at the postern gate of the fort. Great was the joy on seeing + +them, for they had been given up for lost; but this joy was turned to mourning + +at the news of the death of Norman. The brave fellow had been beloved by all, + +and his loss was sincerely mourned. The intrepid and devoted Esquimaux received + +phlegmatically the earnest expressions of gratitude of those they had saved, and + +coulot be persuaded to come to the fort. What they had done seemed to them + +only natural, and these were not the first persons they had rescued; so they + +quietly returned to their wild life of adventure on the lake, where they hunted + +the otters and water-birds day and night.</p> + +<p>For the next three nights the party rested. Hobson always intended to set out + +on June 2d; and on that day, all having recovered from their fatigues and the + +storm having abated, the order was given to start.</p> + +<p>Sergeant Felton had done all in his power to make his guests comfortable and + +to aid their enterprise; some of the jaded dogs were replaced by fresh animals, + +and now the Lieutenant found all his sledges drawn up in good order at the door + +of the enceinte, and awaiting the travellers.</p> + +<p>The adieux were soon over. Each one thanked Sergeant Felton for his + +hospitality, and Mrs Paulina Barnett was most profuse in her expressions of + +gratitude. A hearty shake of the hand between the Sergeant and his + +brother-in-law, Long, completed the leave-taking,</p> + +<p>Each pair got into the sledge assigned to them; but this time Mrs Barnett and + +the Lieutenant shared one vehicle, Madge and Sergeant Long following them.</p> + +<p>According to the advice of the Indian chief, Hobson determined to get to the + +coast by the shortest route, and to take a north-easterly direction. After + +consulting, his map, which merely gave a rough outline of the configuration of + +the country, it seemed best to him to descend the valley of the Coppermine, a + +large river which flows into Coronation Gulf.</p> + +<p>The distance between Fort Confidence and the mouth of this river is only a + +degree and a half-that is to say, about eighty-five or ninety miles. The deep + +hollow formed by the gulf is bounded on the north by Cape Krusenstein, and from + +it the coast juts out towards the north-west, ending in Cape Bathurst, which is + +above the seventieth parallel.</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant, therefore, now changed the route he had hitherto followed, + +directing his course to the east, so as to reach the river in a few hours.</p> + +<p>In the afternoon of the next day, June 3d, the river was gained. It was now + +free from ice, and its clear and rapid waters flowed through a vast valley, + +intersected by numerous but easily fordable streams. The sledges advanced pretty + +rapidly, and as they went along, Hobson gave his companion some account of the + +country through which they were passing. A sincere friendship founded on mutual + +esteem, had sprung up between these two. Mrs Paulina Barnett was an earnest + +student with a special gift for discovery, and was therefore always glad to + +converse with travellers and explorers. Hobson, who knew his beloved North + +America by heart, was able to answer all her inquiries fully.</p> + +<p>"About ninety years ago," he said, "the territory through which the + +Coppermine flows was unknown, and we are indebted for its discovery to the + +agents of the Hudson's Bay Company. But as always happens in scientific matters, + +in seeking one thing, another was found. Columbus was trying to find Asia, and + +discovered America."</p> + +<p>"And what were the agents of the Hudson's Bay Company seeking? The famous + +North-West Passage?"</p> + +<p>"No, madam," replied the young Lieutenant. "A century ago the Company had no + +interest in the opening of a new route, which would have been more valuable to + +its rivals than to it. It is even said that in 1741 a certain Christopher + +Middleton, sent to explore these latitudes, was publicly charged with receiving + +a bribe of ?500 from the Company to say that there was not, and could not be, a + +sea passage between the oceans."</p> + +<p>"That was not much to the credit of the celebrated Company," said Mrs + +Barnett.</p> + +<p>"I do not defend it in the matter," replied Hobson; "and its interference was + +severely censured by Parliament in 1746, when a reward of ?20,000 was offered by + +the Government for the discovery of the passage in question. In that year two + +intrepid explorers, William Moor and Francis Smith, penetrated as far as Repulse + +Bay in the hope of discovering the much-longed-for passage. But they were + +unsuccessful, and returned to England after an absence of a year and a + +half."</p> + +<p>"But did not other captains follow in their steps, resolved to conquer where + +they had failed?" inquired Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>"No, madam; and in spite of the large reward offered by Parliament, no + +attempt was made to resume explorations in English America until thirty years + +afterwards, when some agents of the Company took up the unfinished task of + +Captains Moor and Smith."</p> + +<p>"The Company had then relinquished the narrow-minded egotistical position it + +had taken up?"</p> + +<p>"No, madam, not yet. Samuel Hearne, the agent, only went to reconnoitre the + +position of a copper-mine which native miners had reported. On November 6, 1769, + +this agent left Fort Prince of Wales, on the river Churchill, near the western + +shores of Hudson's Bay. He pressed boldly on to the north-west; but the + +excessive cold and the exhaustion of his provisions compelled him to return + +without accomplishing anything. Fortunately he was not easily discouraged, and + +on February 23d of the next year he set out again, this time taking some Indians + +with him. Great hardships were endured in this second journey. The fish and game + +on which Hearne had relied often failed him; and he had once nothing to eat for + +seven days but wild fruit, bits of old leather, and burnt bones. He was again + +compelled to return to the fort a disappointed man. But he did not even yet + +despair, and started a third time, December 7th, 1770; and after a struggle of + +nineteen months, he discovered the Coppermine river, July 13th, 1772, the course + +of which he followed to its mouth. According to his own account, he saw the open + +sea, and in any case he was the first to penetrate to the northern coast of + +America."</p> + +<p>"But the North-West Passage-that is to say, the direct communication by sea + +between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans-was not then discovered?"</p> + +<p>"Oh no, madam," replied the Lieutenant; "and what countless adventurous + +sailors have since gone to seek it! Phipps in 1773, James Cook and Clerke in + +1776 to 1779, Kotzebue in 1815 to 1818, Ross, Parry, Franklin, and others have + +attempted this difficult task; but it was reserved to M'Clure in our own day to + +pass from one ocean to the other across the Polar Sea."</p> + +<p>"Well, Lieutenant, that was a geographical discovery of which we English may + +well be proud. But do tell me if the Hudson's Bay Company did not adopt more + +generous views, and send out some other explorer after the return of + +Hearne."</p> + +<p>"It did, madam; and it was thanks to it that Captain Franklin was able to + +accomplish his voyage of 1819 to 1822 between the river discovered by Hearne and + +Cape Turnagain. This expedition endured great fatigue and hardships; provisions + +often completely failed, and two Canadians were assassinated and eaten by their + +comrades. But in spite of all his sufferings, Captain Franklin explored no less + +than five thousand five hundred and fifty miles of the hitherto unknown coast of + +North America!"</p> + +<p>"He was indeed a man of energy," added Mrs Barnett; "and he gave proof of his + +great qualities in starting on a fresh Polar expedition after all he had gone + +through."</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied the Lieutenant; "and he met a terrible death in the land his + +own intrepidity had discovered. It has now been proved, however, that all his + +companions did not perish with him. Many are doubtless still wandering about on + +the vast ice-fields. I cannot think of their awful condition without a shudder. + +One day," be added earnestly, and with strange emotion-" one day I will search + +the unknown lands where the dreadful catastrophe took place, and- "</p> + +<p>"And," exclaimed Mrs Barnett, pressing his hand, "I will accompany you. Yes, + +this idea has occurred to me more than once, as it has to you; and my heart + +beats high when I think that fellow countrymen of my own-Englishmen-are awaiting + +succour."</p> + +<p>"Which will come too late for most of them, madam," said the Lieutenant; "but + +rest assured some will even yet be saved."</p> + +<p>"God grant it, Lieutenant!" replied Mrs Barnett; "and it appears to me that + +the agents of the Company, living as they do close to the coast, are better + +fitted than any one else to fulfil this duty of humanity."</p> + +<p>"I agree with you, madam; they are, as they have often proved, inured to the + +rigours of the Arctic climate. Was it not they who aided Captain Back in his + +voyage in 1834, when he discovered King William's Land, where Franklin met his + +fate? Was it not two of us, Dease and Simpson, who were sent by the Governor of + +Hudson's Bay to explore the shores of the Polar Sea in 1838, and whose + +courageous efforts first discovered Victoria Land? It is my opinion that the + +future reserves for the Hudson's Bay Company the final conquest of the Arctic + +regions. Gradually its factories are advancing further and further north, + +following the retreat of the fur-yielding animals; and one day a fort will be + +erected on the Pole itself, that mathematical point where meet all the meridians + +of the globe."</p> + +<p>During this and the succeeding journeys Jaspar Hobson related his own + +adventures since he entered the service of the Company his struggles with the + +agents of rival associations, and his efforts to explore the unknown districts + +of the north or west; and Mrs Barnett, on her side, told of her travels in the + +tropics. She spoke of all she had done, and of all she hoped still to + +accomplish; so that the long hours, lightened by pleasant conversation, passed + +rapidly away.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile the dogs advanced at full gallop towards the north. The Coppermine + +valley widened sensibly as they neared the Arctic Ocean. The hills on either + +side sank lower and lower, and only scattered clumps of resinous trees broke the + +monotony of the landscape. A few blocks of ice, drifted down by the river, still + +resisted the action of the sun; but each day their number decreased, and a + +canoe, or even a good-sized boat, might easily have descended the stream, the + +course of which was unimpeded by any natural barrier or aggregation of rocks. + +The bed of the Coppermine was both deep and wide; its waters were very clear, + +and being fed by the melted snow, flowed on at a considerable pace, never, + +however, forming dangerous rapids. Its course, at first very sinuous, became + +gradually less and less winding, and at last stretched along in a straight line + +for several miles. Its banks, composed of fine firm sand, and clothed in part + +with short dry herbage, were wide and level, so that the long train of sledges + +sped rapidly over them.</p> + +<p>The expedition travelled day and night-if we can speak of the night, when the + +sun, describing an almost horizontal circle, scarcely disappeared at all. The + +true night only lasted two hours, and the dawn succeeded the twilight almost + +immediately. The weather was fine; the sky clear, although somewhat misty on the + +horizon; and everything combined to favour the travellers.</p> + +<p>For two days they kept along the river-banks without meeting with any + +difficulties. They saw but few fur-bearing animals; but there were plenty of + +birds, which might have been counted by thousands. The absence of otters, + +sables, beavers, ermines, foxes, &c., did not trouble the Lieutenant much, + +for he supposed that they had been driven further north by over-zealous + +tracking; and indeed the marks of encampments, extinguished fires, &c., told + +of the more or less recent passage of native hunters. Hobson knew that he would + +have to penetrate a good deal further north, and that part only of his journey + +would be accomplished when he got to the mouth of the Coppermine river. He was + +therefore most eager to reach the limit of Hearne's exploration, and pressed on + +as rapidly as possible.</p> + +<p>Every one shared the Lieutenant's impatience, and resolutely resisted fatigue + +in order to reach the Arctic Ocean with the least possible delay. They were + +drawn onwards by an indefinable attraction; the glory of the unknown dazzled + +their sight. Probably real hardships would commence when they did arrive at the + +much-desired coast. But no matter, they longed to battle with difficulties, and + +to press straight onwards to their aim. The district they were now traversing + +could have no direct interest for them; the real exploration would only commence + +on the shores of the Arctic Ocean. Each one, then, would gladly hail the arrival + +in the elevated western districts for which they were bound, cut across though + +they were by the seventieth parallel of north latitude.</p> + +<p>On the 5th June, four days after leaving Fort Confidence the river widened + +considerably. The western banks, curving slightly, ran almost due north; whilst + +the eastern rounded off into the coastline, stretching away as far as the eye + +could reach.</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Hobson paused, and waving his hand to his companions, pointed to + +the boundless ocean.</p> +<a name="XI" id="XI"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER XI.</h4> + +<h4><i>ALONG THE COAST.</i></h4> + +<p>Coronation Gulf, the large estuary dotted with the islands forming the Duke + +of York Archipelago, which the party had now reached, was a sheet of water with + +irregular banks, let in, as it were, into the North American continent. At its + +western angle opened the mouth of the Coppermine; and on the east a long narrow + +creek called Bathurst Inlet ran into the mainland, from which stretched the + +jagged broken coast with its pointed capes and rugged promontories, ending in + +that confusion of straits, sounds, and channels which gives such a strange + +appearance to the maps of North America. On the other side the coast turned + +abruptly to the north beyond the mouth of the Coppermine River, and ended in + +Cape Krusenstern.</p> + +<p>After consulting with Sergeant Long, Lieutenant Hobson decided to give his + +party a day's rest here.</p> + +<p>The exploration, properly so called, which was to enable the Lieutenant to + +fix upon a suitable site for the establishment of a fort, was now really about + +to begin. The Company had advised him to keep as much as possible above the + +seventieth parallel, and on the shores of the Arctic Ocean. To obey his orders + +Hobson was obliged to keep to the west; for on the east-with the exception, + +perhaps, of the land of Boothia, crossed by the seventieth parallel-the whole + +country belongs rather to the Arctic Circle, and the geographical conformation + +of Boothia is as yet but imperfectly known.</p> + +<p>After carefully ascertaining the latitude and longitude, and verifying his + +position by the map, the Lieutenant found that he was a hundred miles below the + +seventieth degree. But beyond Cape Krusenstern, the coast-line, running in a + +north-easterly direction, abruptly crosses the seventieth parallel at a sharp + +angle near the one hundred and thirtieth meridian, and at about the same + +elevation as Cape Bathurst, the spot named as a rendezvous by Captain Craventy. + +He must therefore make for that point, and should the site appear suitable the + +new fort would be erected there.</p> + +<p>"There," said the Lieutenant to his subordinate, Long, "we shall be in the + +position ordered by the Company. There the sea, open for a great part of the + +year, will allow the vessels from Behring Strait to come right up to the fort, + +bringing us fresh provisions and taking away our commodities."</p> + +<p>"Not to mention," added Sergeant Long, "that our men will be entitled to + +double pay all the time they are beyond the seventieth parallel."</p> + +<p>"Of course that is understood," replied Hobson; "and I daresay they will + +accept it without a murmur."</p> + +<p>"Well then, Lieutenant," said Long simply, "we have now only to start for + +Cape Bathurst."</p> + +<p>But as a day of rest had been promised, the start did not actually take place + +until the next day, June 6th.</p> + +<p>The second part of the journey would naturally be very different from the + +first. The rules with regard to the sledges keeping their rank need no longer be + +enforced, and each couple drove as it pleased them. Only short distances were + +traversed at a time; halts were made at every angle of the coast, and the party + +often walked. Lieutenant Hobson only urged two things upon his companions not to + +go further than three miles from the coast, and to rally their forces twice a + +day, at twelve o'clock and in the evening. At night they all encamped in + +tents.</p> + +<p>The weather continued very fine and the temperature moderate, maintaining a + +mean height of 59? Fahrenheit above zero. Two or three times sudden snowstorms + +came on; but they did not last long, and exercised no sensible influence upon + +the temperature.</p> + +<p>The whole of the American coast between Capes Krusenstern and Parry, + +comprising an extent of more than two hundred and fifty miles, was examined with + +the greatest care between the 6th and 20th of June. Geographical observations + +were accurately taken, and Hobson, most effectively aided by Thomas Black, was + +able to rectify certain errors in previous marine surveys; whilst the primary + +object of the expedition-the examination into the quality and quantity of the + +game in the surrounding districts-was not neglected.</p> + +<p>Were these lands well stocked with game? Could they count with certainty not + +only on a good supply of furs, but also of meat? Would the resources of the + +country provide a fort with provisions in the summer months at least? Such were + +the grave questions which Lieutenant Hobson had to solve, and which called for + +immediate attention. We give a summary of the conclusions at which he + +arrived.</p> + +<p>Game, properly so called, of the kind for which Corporal Joliffe amongst + +others had a special predilection, was not abundant. There were plenty of birds + +of the duck tribe; but only a few Polar hares, difficult of approach, poorly + +represented the rodents of the north. There seemed, however, to be a good many + +bears about. Marbre and Sabine had come upon the fresh traces of several. Some + +were even seen and tracked; but, as a rule, they kept at a respectful distance. + +In the winter, however, driven by famine from higher latitudes, there would + +probably be more than enough of these ravenous beasts prowling about the shores + +of the Arctic Ocean.</p> + +<p>"There is certainly no denying," said Corporal Joliffe, "that bear's flesh is + +very good eating when once it's in the larder; but there is something very + +problematical about it beforehand, and it's always just possible that the + +hunters themselves may meet the fate they intended for the bears!"</p> + +<p>This was true enough. It was no use counting upon the bears to provision + +their fort. Fortunately traces were presently found of herds of a far more + +useful animal, the flesh of which is the principal food of the Indians and + +Esquimaux. We allude to the reindeer; and Corporal Joliffe announced with the + +greatest satisfaction that there were plenty of these ruminants on this coast. + +The ground was covered with the lichen to which they are so partial, and which + +they cleverly dig out from under the snow.</p> + +<p>There could be no mistake as to the footprints left by the reindeer, as, like + +the camel, they have a small nail-like hoof with a convex surface. Large herds, + +sometimes numbering several thousand animals, are seen running wild in certain + +parts of America. Being easily domesticated, they are employed to draw sledges; + +and they also supply the factories with excellent milk, more nourishing than + +that of cows. Their dead bodies are not less useful. Their thick skin provides + +clothes, their hair makes very good thread, and their flesh is palatable; so + +that they are really the most valuable animals to be found in these latitudes, + +and Hobson, being assured of their presence, was relieved from half his + +anxiety.</p> + +<p>As he advanced he had also reason to be satisfied with regard to the + +fur-bearing animals. By the little streams rose many beaver lodges and musk-rat + +tunnels. Badgers, lynxes, ermines, wolverenes, sables, polecats, &c., + +frequented these districts, hitherto undisturbed by hunters. They had thus far + +come to no trace of the presence of man, and the animals had chosen their refuge + +well. Footprints were also found of the fine blue and silver foxes, which are + +becoming more and more rare, and the fur of which is worth its weight in gold. + +Sabine and Mac-Nab might many a time have shot a very valuable animal on this + +excursion, but the Lieutenant had wisely forbidden all hunting of the kind. He + +did not wish to alarm the animals before the approaching season-that is to say, + +before the winter months, when their furs become thicker and more beautiful. It + +was also desirable not to overload the sledges. The hunters saw the force of his + +reasoning; but for all that, their fingers itched when they came within + +shot-range of a sable or some valuable fox. Their Lieutenant's orders were, + +however, not to be disobeyed.</p> + +<p>Polar bears and birds were, therefore, all that the hunters had to practise + +upon in this second stage of their journey. The former, however, not yet + +rendered bold by hunger, soon scampered off, and no serious struggle with them + +ensued.</p> + +<p>The poor birds suffered for the enforced immunity of the quadrupeds. + +White-headed eagles, huge birds with a harsh screeching cry; fishing hawks, + +which build their nests in dead trees and migrate to the Arctic regions in the + +summer; snow buntings with pure white plumage, wild geese, which afford the best + +food of all the <i>Anseres</i> tribe; ducks with red heads and black breasts; + +ash-coloured crows, a kind of mocking jay of extreme ugliness; eider ducks; + +scoters or black divers, &c. &c., whose mingled cries awake the echoes + +of the Arctic regions, fell victims by hundreds to the unerring aim of Marbre + +and Sabine. These birds haunt the high latitudes by millions, and it would be + +impossible to form an accurate estimate of their number on the shores of the + +Arctic Ocean. Their flesh formed a very pleasant addition to the daily rations + +of biscuit and corned beef, and we can understand that the hunters laid up a + +good stock of them in the fifteen days during which they were debarred from + +attacking more valuable game.</p> + +<p>There would then be no lack of animal food; the magazines of the Company + +would be well stocked with game, and its offices filled with furs and traders; + +but something more was wanted to insure success to the undertaking. Would it be + +possible to obtain a sufficient supply of fuel to contend with the rigour of an + +Arctic winter at so elevated a latitude?</p> + +<p>Most fortunately the coast, was well wooded; the hills which sloped down + +towards the sea were crowned with green trees, amongst which the pine + +predominated. Some of the woods might even be called forests, and would + +constitute an admirable reserve of timber for the fort. Here and there Hobson + +noticed isolated groups of willows, poplars, dwarf birch-trees, and numerous + +thickets of arbutus. At this time of the warm season all these trees were + +covered with verdure, and were an unexpected and refreshing sight to eyes so + +long accustomed to the rugged, barren polar landscape. The ground at the foot of + +the hills was carpeted with a short herbage devoured with avidity by the + +reindeer, and forming their only sustenance in winter. On the whole, then, the + +Lieutenant had reason to congratulate himself on having chosen the north-west of + +the American continent for the foundation of a new settlement.</p> + +<p>We have said that these territories, so rich in animals, were apparently + +deserted by men. The travellers saw neither Esquimaux, who prefer the districts + +round Hudson's Bay, nor Indians, who seldom venture so far beyond the Arctic + +Circle. And indeed in these remote latitudes hunters may be overtaken by storms, + +or be suddenly surprised by winter, and cut off from all communication with + +their fellow-creatures. We can easily imagine that Lieutenant Hobson was by no + +means sorry not to meet any rival explorers. What he wanted was an unoccupied + +country, a deserted land, suitable as a refuge for the fur-bearing animals; and + +in this matter he had the full sympathy of Mrs Barnett, who, as the guest of the + +Company, naturally took a great interest in the success of its schemes.</p> + +<p>Fancy, then, the disappointment of the Lieutenant, when on the morning of the + +20th June he came to an encampment but recently abandoned.</p> + +<p>It was situated at the end of a narrow creek called Darnley Bay, of which + +Cape Parry is the westernmost point. There at the foot of a little hill were the + +stakes which had served to mark the limits of the camp, and heaps of cinders, + +the extinct embers of the fires.</p> + +<p>The whole party met at this encampment, and all understood how great a + +disappointment it involved for Lieutenant Hobson.</p> + +<p>"What a pity!" he exclaimed. "I would rather have met a whole family of polar + +bears!"</p> + +<p>"But I daresay the men who encamped here are already far off," said Mrs + +Barnett; "very likely they have returned to their usual hunting grounds."</p> + +<p>"That is as it may be," replied the Lieutenant. "If these be the traces of + +Esquimaux, they are more likely to have gone on than to have turned back; and if + +they be those of Indians, they are probably, like ourselves, seeking a new + +hunting district; and in either case it will be very unfortunate for us."</p> + +<p>"But," said Mrs Barnett, "cannot we find out to what race the travellers do + +belong? Can't we ascertain if they be Esquimaux or Indians from the south? I + +should think tribes of such a different origin, and of such dissimilar customs, + +would not encamp in the same manner."</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett was right; they might possibly solve the mystery after a thorough + +examination of the ground.</p> + +<p>Jaspar Hobson and others set to work, carefully examining every trace, every + +object left behind, every mark on the ground; but in vain, there was nothing to + +guide them to a decided opinion. The bones of some animals scattered about told + +them nothing, and the Lieutenant, much annoyed, was about to abandon the useless + +search, when he heard an exclamation from Mrs Joliffe, who had wandered a little + +way to the left.</p> + +<p>All hurried towards the young Canadian, who remained fixed to the spot, + +looking attentively at the ground before her.</p> + +<p>As her companions came up she said-</p> + +<p>"You are looking for traces, Lieutenant; well, here are some."</p> + +<p>And Mrs Joliffe pointed to a good many footprints clearly visible in the firm + +clay.</p> + +<p>These might reveal something; for the feet of the Indians and Esquimaux, as + +well as their boots, are totally different from each other.</p> + +<p>But what chiefly struck Lieutenant Hobson was the strange arrangement of + +these impressions. They were evidently made by a human foot, a shod foot; but, + +strange to say, the ball alone appeared to have touched the ground! The marks + +were very numerous, close together, often crossing one another, but confined to + +a very small circle.</p> + +<p>Jaspar Hobson called the attention of the rest of the party to this singular + +circumstance.</p> + +<p>"These were not made by a person walking," he said.</p> + +<p>"Nor by a person jumping," added Mrs Barnett; "for there is no mark of a + +heel."</p> + +<p>"No," said Mrs Joliffe; "these footprints were left by a dancer."</p> + +<p>She was right, as further examination proved. They were the marks left by a + +dancer, and a dancer engaged in some light and graceful exercise, for they were + +neither clumsy nor deep.</p> + +<p>But who could the light-hearted individual be who had been impelled to dance + +in this sprightly fashion some degrees above the Arctic Circle?</p> + +<p>"It was certainly not an Esquimaux," said the Lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"Nor an Indian," cried Corporal Joliffe.</p> + +<p>"No, it was a Frenchman," said Sergeant Long quietly.</p> + +<p>And all agreed that none but a Frenchman could have been capable of dancing + +on such a spot.</p> +<a name="XII" id="XII"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER XII.</h4> + +<h4><i>THE MIDNIGHT SUN.</i></h4> + +<p>Sergeant Long's assertion must appear to have been founded on insufficient + +evidence. That there had been dancing no one could deny, but that the dancer was + +a Frenchman, however probable, could not be considered proved.</p> + +<p>However, the Lieutenant shared the opinion of his subordinate, which did not + +appear too positive to any of the party, who all agreed in feeling sure that + +some travellers, with at least one compatriot of Vestris amongst them, had + +recently encamped on this spot.</p> + +<p>Of course Lieutenant Hobson was by no means pleased at this he was afraid of + +having been preceded by rivals in the north-western districts of English + +America; and secret as the Company had kept its scheme, it had doubtless been + +divulged in the commercial centres of Canada and the United States.</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant resumed his interrupted march; but he was full of care and + +anxiety, although he would not now have dreamed of retracing his steps.</p> + +<p>"Frenchmen are then sometimes met with in these high latitudes?" was Mrs + +Barnett's natural question after this incident.</p> + +<p>"Yes, madam," replied the Lieutenant; "or if not exactly Frenchmen, the + +descendants of the masters of Canada when it belonged to France, which comes to + +much the same thing. These men are in fact our most formidable rivals."</p> + +<p>"But I thought," resumed Mrs Barnett, "that after the absorption by the + +Hudson's Bay Company of the old North-West Company, that it had no longer any + +rivals on the American continent."</p> + +<p>"Although there is no longer any important association for trading in furs + +except our own, there are a good many perfectly independent private companies, + +mostly American, which have retained French agents or their descendants in their + +employ."</p> + +<p>"Are these agents then held in such high esteem?" asked Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>"Yes, madam, and with good reason. During the ninety-four years of French + +supremacy in Canada, French agents always proved themselves superior to ours. We + +must be just even to our rivals."</p> + +<p>"Especially to our rivals," added Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>"Yes, especially. . . At that time French hunters, starting from Montreal, + +their headquarters, pressed on to the north with greater hardihood than any + +others. They lived for years with the Indian tribes, sometimes intermarrying + +with them. The natives called them the 'Canadian travellers,' and were on the + +most intimate terms with them. They were bold, clever fellows, expert at + +navigating streams, light-hearted and merry, adapting themselves to + +circumstances with the easy flexibility of their race, and always ready to sing + +or dance."</p> + +<p>"And do you suppose that hunting is the only object of the party whose traces + +we have just discovered?"</p> + +<p>"I don't think any other hypotheses at all likely," replied Hobson. "They are + +sure to be seeking new hunting grounds. But as we cannot possibly stop them, we + +must make haste to begin our own operations, and compete boldly with all + +rivals."</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Hobson was now prepared for the competition he could not prevent, + +and he urged on the march of his party as much as possible, hoping that his + +rivals might not follow him beyond the seventieth parallel.</p> + +<p>The expedition now descended towards the south for some twenty miles, in + +order the more easily to pass round Franklin Bay. The country was still covered + +with verdure, and the quadrupeds and birds already enumerated were as plentiful + +as ever; so that they could reasonably hope that the whole of the north-western + +coasts of the American continent were populated in the same manner.</p> + +<p>The ocean which bathed these shores stretched away as far as the eye could + +reach Recent atlases give no land beyond the north American coast-line, and it + +is only the icebergs which impede the free navigation of the open sea from + +Behring Strait to the Pole itself.</p> + +<p>On the 4th July the travellers skirted round another deep bay called Washburn + +Bay, and reached the furthest point of a little lake, until then imperfectly + +known, covering but a small extent of territory, scarcely two square miles-in + +fact it was rather a lagoon, or large pond of sweet water, than a lake.</p> + +<p>The sledges went on easily and rapidly, and the appearance of the country was + +most encouraging to the explorers. It seemed that the extremity of Cape Bathurst + +would be a most favourable site for the new fort, as with this lagoon behind + +them, and the sea open for four or five months in the warm season, and giving + +access to the great highway of Behring Strait, before them, it would be easy for + +the exiles to lay in fresh provisions and to export their commodities.</p> + +<p>On the 5th June, about three o'clock in the afternoon, the party at last + +halted at the extremity of Cape Bathurst. It remained to ascertain the exact + +position of this cape, which the maps place above the seventieth parallel. It + +was, however, impossible to rely upon the marine surveys of the coast, as they + +had never yet been made with exactitude. Jaspar Hobson decided to wait and + +ascertain the latitude and longitude.</p> + +<p>"What prevents us from settling here?" asked Corporal Joliffe. "You will own, + +Lieutenant, that it is a very inviting spot."</p> + +<p>"It will seem more inviting still if you get double pay here, my worthy + +Corporal," replied Hobson.</p> + +<p>"No doubt," said Joliffe; "and the orders of the Company must be obeyed."</p> + +<p>"Then wait patiently till to-morrow," added Hobson; "and if we find that Cape + +Bathurst is really beyond 70? north latitude, we will pitch our tent here."</p> + +<p>The site was indeed admirably suited for the foundation of a new settlement. + +The wooded heights surrounding the lagoon would supply plenty of pine, birch, + +and other woods for the construction of the fort, and for stocking, it with' + +fuel. The Lieutenant and some of his companions went to the very edge of the + +cape, and found that towards the west the coast-line formed a lengthened curve, + +beyond which icebergs of a considerable height shut out the view. The water of + +the lagoon, instead of being brackish as they expected from its close vicinity + +to the sea, was perfectly sweet; but had it not been so, drinkable water would + +not have failed the little colony, as a fresh and limpid stream ran a few yards + +to the south-east of Cape Bathurst, and emptied itself into the Arctic Ocean + +through a narrow inlet, which, protected by a singular accumulation of sand and + +earth instead of by rocks, would have afforded a refuge to several vessels from + +the winds of the offing, and might be turned to account for the anchorage of the + +ships which it was hoped would come to the new settlement from Behring Strait. + +Out of compliment to the lady of the party, and much to her delight, Lieutenant + +Hobson named the stream Paulina river, and the little harbour Port Barnett.</p> + +<p>By building the fort a little behind the actual cape, the principal house and + +the magazines would be quite sheltered from the coldest winds. The elevation of + +the cape would help to protect them from the snow-drifts, which sometimes + +completely bury large buildings beneath their heavy avalanches in a few hours. + +There was plenty of room between the foot of the promontory and the bank of the + +lagoon for all the constructions necessary to a fort. It could even be + +surrounded by palisades, which would break the shock of the icebergs; and the + +cape itself might be surrounded with a fortified redoubt, if the vicinity of + +rivals should render such a purely defensive erection necessary; and the + +Lieutenant, although with no idea of commencing anything of the kind as yet, + +naturally rejoiced at having met with an easily defensible position.</p> + +<p>The weather remained fine, and it was quite warm enough. There was not a + +cloud upon the sky; but, of course, the clear blue air of temperate and torrid + +zones could not be expected here, and the atmosphere was generally charged with + +a light mist. What would Cape Bathurst be like in the long winter night of four + +months when the ice-mountains became fixed and rigid, and the hoarse north wind + +swept down upon the icebergs in all its fury? None of the party gave a thought + +to that time now; for the weather was beautiful, the verdant landscape smiled, + +and the waves sparkled in the sunbeams, whilst the temperature remained warm and + +pleasant.</p> + +<p>A provisional camp, the sledges forming its only material, was arranged for + +the night on the banks of the lagoon; and towards evening Mrs Barnett, the + +Lieutenant, Sergeant Long, and even Thomas Black, explored the surrounding + +district in order to ascertain its resources. It appeared to be in every respect + +suitable; and Hobson was eager for the next day, that he might determine the + +exact situations, and find out if it fulfilled the conditions imposed by the + +Company.</p> + +<p>"Well, Lieutenant," said the astronomer when the examination was over, "this + +is really a charming spot, such as I should not have imagined could have existed + +beyond the Arctic Circle."</p> + +<p>"Ah, Mr Black!" cried Hobson, "the finest countries in the world are to be + +found here, and I am impatient to ascertain our latitude and longitude."</p> + +<p>"Especially the latitude," said the astronomer, whose eclipse was never out + +of his thoughts; "and I expect your brave companions are as eager as yourself. + +Double pay beyond the seventieth parallel!"</p> + +<p>"But, Mr Black," said Mrs Barnett, "do you not yourself take an interest a + +purely scientific interest, in getting beyond that parallel?"</p> + +<p>"Of course, madam, of course I am anxious to get beyond it, but not so + +terribly eager. According to our calculations, however, made with absolute + +accuracy, the solar eclipse which I am ordered to watch will only be total to an + +observer placed beyond the seventieth degree, and on this account I share the + +Lieutenant's impatience to determine the position of Cape Bathurst."</p> + +<p>"But I understand, Mr Black," said Mrs Barnett, "that this solar eclipse will + +not take place until the 18th July 1860?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, madam, on the 18th July 1860."</p> + +<p>"And it is now only the 15th June 1859! So that the phenomenon will not be + +visible for more than a year!"</p> + +<p>"I am quite aware of it, Mrs Barnett," replied the astronomer; "but if I had + +not started till next year I should have run a risk of being too late."</p> + +<p>"You would, Mr Black," said Hobson, "and you did well to start a year + +beforehand. You are now quite sure not to miss your eclipse. I own that our + +journey from Fort Reliance has been accomplished under exceptionally favourable + +circumstances. <i>We</i> have had little fatigue and few delays. To tell you the + +truth, I did not expect to get to this part of the coast until the middle of + +August; and if the eclipse had been expected this year, instead of next; you + +really might have been too late. Moreover, we do not yet know if we are beyond + +the seventieth parallel."</p> + +<p>"I do not in the least regret the journey I have taken in your company, + +Lieutenant, and I shall patiently wait until next year for my eclipse. The fair + +Phobe, I fancy, is a sufficiently grand lady to be waited for."</p> + +<p>The next day, July 6th, a little after noon, Hobson and the astronomer made + +their preparations for taking the exact bearings of Cape Bathurst. The sun shone + +clearly enough for them to take the outlines exactly. At this season of the + +year, too, it had reached its maximum height above the horizon; and consequently + +its culmination, on its transit across the meridian, would facilitate the work + +of the two observers.</p> + +<p>Already the night before, and the same morning, by raking different + +altitudes, and by means of a calculation of right ascensions, the Lieutenant and + +the astronomer had ascertained the longitude with great accuracy. But it was + +about the latitude that Hobson was most anxious; for what would the meridian of + +Cape Bathurst matter to him should it not be situated beyond the seventieth + +parallel?</p> + +<p>Noon approached. The men of the expedition gathered round the observers with + +their sextants ready in their hands. The brave fellows awaited the result of the + +observation with an impatience which will be readily understood. It was now to + +be decided whether they had come to the end of their journey, or whether they + +must search still further for a spot fulfilling the conditions imposed by the + +Company.</p> + +<p>Probably no good result would have followed upon further explorations, + +According to the maps of North America-imperfect, it is true-the western coast + +beyond Cape Bathurst sloped down below the seventieth parallel, not again rising + +above it until it entered Russian America, where the English had as yet no right + +to settle; so that Hobson had shown considerable judgment in directing his + +course to Cape Bathurst after a thorough examination of the maps of these + +northern regions. This promontory is, in fact, the only one which juts out + +beyond the seventieth parallel along the whole of the North American continent, + +properly so called-that is to say, in English America. It remained to be proved + +that it really occupied the position assigned to it in maps.</p> + +<p>At this moment the sun was approaching the culminating-point of its course, + +and the two observers pointed the telescopes of their sextants upon it. By means + +of inclined mirrors attached to the instruments, the sun ought apparently to go + +back to the horizon itself; and the moment when it seemed to touch it with the + +lower side of its disc would be precisely that at which it would occupy the + +highest point of the diurnal arc, and consequently the exact moment when it + +would pass the meridian-in other words, it would be noon at the place where the + +observation was taken.</p> + +<p>All watched in anxious silence.</p> + +<p>"Noon!" cried Jaspar Hobson and the astronomer at once.</p> + +<p>The telescopes were immediately lowered. The Lieutenant and Thomas Black read + +on the graduated limbs the value of the angles they had just obtained, and at + +once proceeded to note down their observations.</p> + +<p>A few minutes afterwards, Lieutenant Hobson rose and said, addressing his + +companions</p> + +<p>"My friends, from this date, July 6th, I promise you double pay in the name + +of the Hudson's Bay Company!"</p> + +<p>"Hurrah! hurrah! hurrah for the Company!" shouted the worthy companions of + +the Lieutenant with one voice.</p> + +<p>Cape Bathurst and its immediate neighbourhood were in very truth above the + +seventieth degree of north latitude.</p> + +<p>We give the result of these simultaneous observations, which agreed to a + +second.</p> + +<p>Longitude, 127? 36' 12" west of the meridian of Greenwich.</p> + +<p>Latitude, 70? 44' 37" north.</p> + +<p>And that very evening these hardy pioneers, encamped so far from the + +inhabited world, watched the mighty luminary of day touch the edges of the + +western horizon without dipping beneath it.</p> + +<p>For the first time they saw the shining of the midnight sun.</p> +<a name="XIII" id="XIII"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER XIII.</h4> + +<h4><i>FORT HOPE.</i></h4> + +<p>The site of the new fort was now finally determined on. It would be + +impossible to find a better situation than on the level ground behind Cape + +Bathurst, on the eastern bank of the lagoon Hobson determined to commence the + +construction of the principal house at once. Meanwhile all must accommodate + +themselves as best they could; and the sledges were ingeniously utilised to form + +a provisional encampment.</p> + +<p>His men being very skilful, the Lieutenant hoped to have the principal house + +ready in a month. It was to be large enough to accommodate for a time the + +nineteen persons of the party. Later, and before the excessive cold set in, if + +there should be time, the barracks for the soldiers and the magazines for the + +furs and skins were to be built. There was not much chance of getting it all + +done before the end of September; and after that date, the winter, with its + +first bitter frosts and long nights, would arrest all further progress.</p> + +<p>Of the ten soldiers chosen by Captain Craventy, two-Marbre and Sabine-were + +skilful hunters; the other eight handled the hatchet with as much address as the + +musket. Like sailors, they could turn their hands to anything, and were now to + +be treated more like workmen than soldiers, for they were to build a fort which + +there was as yet no enemy to attack. Petersen, Belcher, Rae, Garry, Pond, Hope, + +and Kellet formed a body of clever, zealous carpenters, under the able + +superintendence of Mac-Nab, a Scotchman from Stirling, who had had + +considerable experience in the building both of houses and boats. The men were + +well provided with tools-hatchets, centre-bits, adzes, planes, hand-saws, + +mallets, hammers, chisels, &c. &c. Rae was most skilful at blacksmith's + +work, and with the aid of a little portable forge he was able to make all the + +pins, tenons, bolts, nails, screws, nuts, &e., required in carpentry. They + +had no mason in the party; but none was wanted, as all the buildings of the + +factories in the north are of wood. Fortunately there were plenty of trees about + +Cape Bathurst, although as Hobson had already remarked to Mrs Barnett, there was + +not a rock, a stone, not even a flint or a pebble, to be seen. The shore was + +strewn with innumerable quantities of bivalve shells broken by the surf, and + +with seaweed or zoophytes, mostly sea-urchins and asteriada; but the soil + +consisted entirely of earth and sand, without a morsel of silica or broken + +granite; and the cape itself was but an accumulation of soft earth, the + +particles of which were scarcely held together by the vegetation with which it + +was clothed.</p> + +<p>In the afternoon of the same day, July 6th Hobson and Mac-Nab the carpenter + +went to choose the site of the principal house on the plateau at the foot of + +Cape Bathurst. From this point the view embraced the lagoon and the western + +districts to a distance of ten or twelve miles. On the right, about four miles + +off, towered icebergs of a considerable height. partly draped in mist; whilst on + +the left stretched apparently boundless plains, vast steppes which it would be + +impossible to distinguish from the frozen surface of the lagoon or from the sea + +itself in the winter.</p> + +<p>The spot chosen, Hobson and Mac-Nab set out the outer walls of the house with + +the line. This outline formed a rectangle measuring sixty feet on the larger + +side, and thirty on the smaller. The facade of the house would therefore have a + +length of sixty feet it was to have a door and three windows on the side of the + +promontory, where the inner court was to be situated, and four windows on the + +side of the lagoon. The door was to open at the left corner, instead of in the + +middle, of the back of the house, for the sake of warmth. This arrangement would + +impede the entrance of the outer air to the further rooms, and add considerably + +to the comfort of the inmates of the fort.</p> + +<p>According to the simple plan agreed upon by the Lieutenant and his + +master-carpenter, there were to be four compartments in the house: the first to + +be an antechamber with a double door to keep out the wind; the second to serve + +as a kitchen, that the cooking which would generate damp, might be all done + +quite away from the living-rooms; the third, a large hall, where the daily meals + +were to be served in common; and the fourth, to be divided into several cabins, + +like the state-rooms on board ship.</p> + +<p>The soldiers were to occupy the dining-hall provisionally, and a kind of + +camp-bed was arranged for them at the end of the room. The Lieutenant, Mrs + +Barnett, Thomas Black, Madge, Mrs Joliffe, Mrs Mac-Nab, and Mrs Rae were to + +lodge in the cabins of the fourth compartment. They would certainly be packed + +pretty closely; but it was only a temporary state of things, and when the + +barracks were constructed, the principal house would be reserved to the officer + +in command, his sergeant, Thomas Black, Mrs Barnett, and her faithful Madge, who + +never left her. Then the fourth compartment might perhaps be divided into three + +cabins, instead of four; for to avoid corners as much as possible is a rule + +which should never be forgotten by those who winter in high latitudes Nooks and + +corners are, in fact, so many receptacles of ice. The partitions impede the + +ventilation; and the moisture, generated in the air, freezes readily, and makes + +the atmosphere of the rooms unhealthy causing grave maladies to those who sleep + +in them.</p> + +<p>On this account many navigators who have to winter in the midst of ice have + +one large room in the centre of their vessel, which is shared by officers and + +sailors in common. For obvious reasons, however, Hobson could not adopt this + +plan.</p> + +<p>From the preceding description we shall have seen that the future house was + +to consist merely of a ground-floor. The roof was to be high, and its sides to + +slope considerably, so that water could easily run off them. The snow would, + +however, settle upon them; and when once they were covered with it, the house + +would be, so to speak, hermetically closed, and the inside temperature would be + +kept at the same mean height. Snow is, in fact, a very bad conductor of beat: it + +prevents it from entering, it is true; but, what is more important in an Arctic + +winter, it also keeps it from getting out.</p> + +<p>The carpenter was to build two chimneys-one above the kitchen, the other in + +connection with the stove of the large dining-room, which was to heat it and the + +compartment containing the cabins. The architectural effect of the whole would + +certainly be poor; but the house would be as comfortable as possible, and what + +more could any one desire?</p> + +<p>Certainly an artist who had once seen it would not soon forget this winter + +residence, set down in the gloomy Arctic twilight in the midst of snow-drifts, + +half hidden by icicles, draped in white from roof to foundation, its walls + +encrusted with snow, and the smoke from its fires assuming strangely-contorted + +forms in the wind.</p> + +<p>But now to tell of the actual construction of this house, as yet existing + +only in imagination. This, of course, was the business of Mac-Nab and his men; + +and while the carpenters were at work, the foraging party to whom the + +commissariat was entrusted would not be idle. There was plenty for every one to + +do.</p> + +<p>The first step was to choose suitable timber, and a species of Scotch fir was + +decided on, which grew conveniently upon the neighbouring hills, and seemed + +altogether well adapted to the multifarious uses to which it would be put. For + +in the rough and ready style of habitation which they were planning, there could + +be no variety of material; and every part of the house-outside and inside walls, + +flooring, ceiling, partitions, rafters, ridges, framework, and tiling-would have + +to be contrived of planks, beams, and timbers. As may readily be supposed, + +finished workmanship was not necessary for such a description of building, and + +Mac-Nab was able to proceed very rapidly without endangering the safety of the + +building. About a hundred of these firs were chosen and felled-they were neither + +barked nor squared-and formed so many timbers, averaging some twenty feet in + +length. The axe and the chisel did not touch them except at the ends, in order + +to form the tenons and mortises by which they were to be secured to one another. + +Very few days sufficed to complete this part of the work, and the timbers were + +brought down by the dogs to the site fixed on for the principal building. To + +start with, the site had been carefully levelled. The soil, a mixture of fine + +earth and sand, had been beaten and consolidated with heavy blows. The brushwood + +with which it was originally covered was burnt, and the thick layer of ashes + +thus produced would prevent the damp from penetrating the floors. A clean and + +dry foundation having been thus secured on which to lay the first joists, + +upright posts were fixed at each corner of the site, and at the extremities of + +the inside walls, to form the skeleton of the building. The posts were sunk to a + +depth of some feet in the ground, after their ends had been hardened in the + +fire; and were slightly hollowed at each side to receive the crossbeams of the + +outer wall, between which the openings for the doors and windows had been + +arranged for. These posts were held together at the top by horizontal beams well + +let into the mortises, and consolidating the whole building. On these horizontal + +beams, which represented the architraves of the two fronts, rested the high + +trusses of the roof, which overhung the walls like the eaves of a chalet. Above + +this squared architrave were laid the joists of the ceiling, and those of the + +floor upon the layer of ashes.</p> + +<p>The timbers, both in the inside and outside walls, were only laid side by + +side. To insure their being properly joined, Rae the blacksmith drove strong + +iron bolts through them at intervals; and when even this contrivance proved + +insufficient to close the interstices as hermetically as was necessary, Mac-Nab + +had recourse to calking, a process which seamen find invaluable in rendering + +vessels water-tight; only as a substitute for tow he used a sort of dry moss, + +with which the eastern side of the cape was covered, driving it into the + +crevices with calking-irons and a hammer, filling up each hollow with layers of + +hot tar, obtained without difficulty from the pine-trees, and thus making the + +walls and boarding impervious to the rain and damp of the winter season.</p> + +<p>The door and windows in the two fronts were roughly but strongly built, and + +the small panes of the latter glazed with isinglass, which, though rough, + +yellow, and almost opaque, was yet the best substitute for glass which the + +resources of the country afforded; and its imperfections really mattered little, + +as the windows were sure to be always open in fine weather; while during, the + +long night of the Arctic winter they would be useless, and have to be kept + +closed and defended by heavy shutters with strong bolts against the violence of + +the gales. Meanwhile the house was being quickly fitted up inside. By means of a + +double door between the outer and inner halls a too sudden change of temperature + +was avoided, and the wind was prevented from blowing with unbroken force into + +the rooms. The air-pumps, brought from Fort Reliance, were so fixed as to let in + +fresh air whenever excessive cold prevented the opening of doors or windows -one + +being made to eject the impure air from within, the other to renew the supply; + +for the Lieutenant had given his whole mind to this important matter.</p> + +<p>The principal cooking utensil was a large iron furnace, which had been + +brought piecemeal from Fort Reliance, and which the carpenter put up without any + +difficulty. The chimneys for the kitchen and ball, however, seemed likely to tax + +the ingenuity of the workmen to the utmost, as no material within their reach + +was strong enough for the purpose, and stone, as we have said before, was + +nowhere to be found in the country around Cape Bathurst.</p> + +<p>The difficulty appeared insurmountable, when the invincible Lieutenant + +suggested that they should utilise the shells with which the shore was + +strewed.</p> + +<p>"Make chimneys of shells!" cried the carpenter.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Mac-Nab," replied Hobson; "we must collect the shells, grind them, burn + +them, and make them into lime, then mould the lime into bricks, and use them in + +the same way."</p> + +<p>"Let us try the shells, by all means," replied the carpenter; and so the idea + +was put in practice at once, and many tons collected of calcareous shells + +identical with those found in the lowest stratum of the Tertiary formations.</p> + +<p>A furnace was constructed for the decomposition of the carbonate which is so + +large an ingredient of these shells, and thus the lime required was obtained in + +the space of a few hours. It would perhaps be too much to say that the substance + +thus made was as entirely satisfactory as if it had gone through all the usual + +processes; but it answered its purpose, and strong conical chimneys soon adorned + +the roof, to the great satisfaction of Mrs Paulina Barnett, who congratulated + +the originator of the scheme warmly on its success, only adding laughingly, that + +she hoped the chimneys would not smoke.</p> + +<p>"Of course they will smoke, madam," replied Hobson coolly; "all chimneys + +do!"</p> + +<p>All this was finished within a month, and on the 6th of August they were to + +take possession of the new house.</p> + +<p>While Mac-Nab and his men were working so hard, the foraging party, with the + +Lieutenant at its head, had been exploring the environs of Cape Bathurst, and + +satisfied themselves that there would be no difficulty in supplying the + +Company's demands for fur and feathers, so soon as they could set about hunting + +in earnest. In the meantime they prepared the way for future sport, contenting + +themselves for the present with the capture of a few couples of reindeer, which + +they intended to domesticate for the sake of their milk and their young. They + +were kept in a paddock about fifty yards from the house, and entrusted to the + +care of Mac-Nabs wife, an Indian woman, well qualified to take charge of + +them.</p> + +<p>The care of the household fell to Mrs Paulina Barnett, and this good woman, + +with Madge's help, was invaluable in providing for all the small wants, which + +would inevitably have escaped the notice of the men.</p> + +<p>After scouring the country within a radius of several miles, the Lieutenant + +notified, as the result of his observations, that the territory on which they + +had established themselves, and to which he gave the name of Victoria Land, was + +a large peninsula about one hundred and fifty square miles in extent, with very + +clearly-defined boundaries, connected with the American continent by an isthmus, + +extending from the lower end of Washburn Bay on the east, as fair as the + +corresponding slope on the opposite coast. The Lieutenant next proceeded to + +ascertain what were the resources of the lake and river, and found great reason + +to be satisfied with the result of his examination. The shallow waters of the + +lake teemed with trout, pike, and other available fresh-water fish; and the + +little river was a favourite resort of salmon and shoals of white bait and + +smelts. The supply of sea-fish was not so good; and though many a grampus and + +whale passed by in the offing, the latter probably flying from the harpoons of + +the Behring Strait fishermen there were no means of capturing them unless one by + +chance happened to get stranded on the coast; nor would Hobson allow any of the + +seals which abounded on the western shore to be taken until a satisfactory + +conclusion should be arrived at as to how to use them to the best advantage.</p> + +<p>The colonists now considered themselves fairly installed stalled in their new + +abode, and after due deliberation unanimously agreed to bestow upon the + +settlement the name of Fort Good Hope.</p> + +<p>Alas! the auspicious title was never to be inscribed upon a map. The + +undertaking, begun so bravely and with such prospects of success, was destined + +never to be carried out, and another disaster would have to be added to the long + +list of failures in Arctic enterprise.</p> +<a name="XIV" id="XIV"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER XIV.</h4> + +<h4><i>SOME EXCURSIONS.</i></h4> + +<p>It did not take long to furnish the new abode. A camp-bed was set up in the + +hall, and the carpenter Mac-Nab constructed a most substantial table, around + +which were ranged fixed benches. A few movable seats and two enormous presses + +completed the furniture of this apartment. The inner room, which was also ready, + +was divided by solid partitions into six dormitories, the two end ones alone + +being lighted by windows looking to the front and back. The only furniture was a + +bed and a table. Mrs Paulina Barnett and Madge were installed in one which + +looked immediately out upon the lake. Hobson offered the other with the window + +in it to Thomas Black, and the astronomer took immediate possession of it. The + +Lieutenant's own room was a dark cell adjoining the hall, with no window but a + +bull's eye pierced through the partition. Mrs Joliffe, Mrs Mac-Nab, and Mrs Rae, + +with their husbands, occupied the other dormitories. These good people agreed so + +well together that it would have been a pity to separate them. Moreover, an + +addition was expected shortly to the little colony; and Mac-Nab had already gone + +so far as to secure the services of Mrs Barnett as god-mother, an honour which + +gave the good woman much satisfaction. The sledges had been entirely unloaded, + +and the bedding carried into the different rooms. All utensils, stores, and + +provisions which were not required for immediate use were stowed away in a + +garret, to which a ladder gave access. The winter clothing-such as boots, + +overcoats, furs, and skins-were also taken there, and protected from the damp in + +large chests. As soon as these arrangements were completed, the Lieutenant began + +to provide for the heating of the house.</p> + +<p>Knowing that the most energetic measures were necessary to combat the + +severity of the Arctic winter, and that during the weeks of intensest cold there + +would be no possibility of leaving the house to forage for supplies, he ordered + +a quantity of fuel to be brought from the wooded hills in the neighbourhood, and + +took care to obtain a plentiful store of oil from the seals which abounded on + +the shore.</p> + +<p>In obedience to his orders, and under his directions, the house was provided + +with a condensing apparatus which would receive the internal moisture, and was + +so constructed that the ice which would form in it could easily be removed.</p> + +<p>This question of heating was a very serious one to the Lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"I am a native of the Polar regions, madam," he often said to Mrs Barnett; "I + +have some experience in these matters, and I have read over and over again books + +written by those who have wintered in these latitudes. It is impossible to take + +too many precautions in preparing to pass a winter in the Arctic regions, and + +nothing must be left to chance where a single neglect may prove fatal to the + +enterprise."</p> + +<p>"Very true, Mr Hobson," replied Mrs Barnett; "and you have evidently made up + +your mind to conquer the cold; but there is the food to be thought of too."</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed; I have been thinking of that, and mean to make all possible use + +of the produce of the country so as to economise our stores. As soon as we can, + +we will make some foraging expeditions. We need not think about the furs at + +present, for there will be plenty of time during the winter to stock the + +Company's depots. Besides, the furred animals have not got their winter clothing + +on yet, and the skins would lose fifty per cent. of their value if taken now. + +Let us content ourselves for the present with provisioning Fort Hope. Reindeer, + +elk, - and any wapitis that may have ventured so far north are the only game + +worth our notice just now; it will be no small undertaking to provide food for + +twenty people and sixty dogs."</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant loved order, and determined to do everything in the most + +methodical manner, feeling confident that if his companions would help him to + +the utmost of their power, nothing need be wanting to the success of the + +expedition.</p> + +<p>The weather at this season was almost always fine, and might be expected to + +continue so for five weeks longer, when the snow would begin to fall. It was + +very important that the carpenters-should make all possible use of the interval; + +and as soon as the principal house was finished, Hobson set them to work to + +build an enormous kennel or shed in which to keep the teams of dogs. This + +doghouse was built at the very foot of the promontory, against the hill, and + +about forty yards to the right of the house. Barracks for the accommodation of + +the men were to be built opposite this kennel on the left, while the store and + +powder magazines were to occupy the front of the enclosure.</p> + +<p>Hobson determined with almost excessive prudence to have the Factory enclosed + +before the winter set in. A strong fence of pointed stakes, planted firmly in + +the ground, was set up as a protection against the inroads of wild animals or + +the hostilities of the natives. The Lieutenant had not forgotten an outrage + +which had been committed along the coast at no great distance from Fort Hope, + +and he well knew how essential it was to be safe from a <i>coup de main</i>. The + +factory was therefore entirely encircled, and at each extremity of the lagoon + +Mac-Nab undertook to erect a wooden sentry-box commanding the coast-line, from + +which a watch could be kept without any danger. The men worked indefatigably, + +and it seemed likely that everything would be finished before the cold season + +set in.</p> + +<p>In the meantime hunting parties were organised. The capture of seals being + +put off for a more convenient season, the sportsmen prepared to supply the fort + +with game, which might be dried and preserved for consumption during the bad + +season.</p> + +<p>Accordingly Marbre and Sabine, sometimes accompanied by the Lieutenant and + +Sergeant Long, whose experience was invaluable, scoured the country daily for + +miles round; and it was no uncommon sight to see Mrs Paulina Barnett join them + +and step briskly along shouldering her gun bravely, and never allowing herself + +to be outstripped by her companions.</p> + +<p>Throughout the month of August these expeditions were continued with great + +success, and the store of provisions increased rapidly. Marbre and Sabine were + +skilled in all the artifices which sportsmen employ in stalking their + +prey-particularly the reindeer, which are exceedingly wary. How patiently they + +would face the wind lest the creature's keen sense of smell should warn it of + +their approach! and how cunningly they lured it on to its destruction by + +displaying the magnificent antlers of some former victim above the birch-bushes + +!</p> + +<p>They found a useful alley <i>(sic)</i> in a certain little traitorous bird to + +which the Indians have given the name of "monitor." It is a kind of daylight + +owl, about the size of a pigeon, and has earned its name by its habit of calling + +the attention of hunters to their quarry, by uttering a sharp note like the cry + +of a child.</p> + +<p>When about fifty reindeer, or, to give them their Indian name, "caribous," + +had been brought down by the guns, the flesh was cut into long strips for food, + +the skins being kept to be tanned and used for shoe-leather.</p> + +<p>Besides the caribous, there were also plenty of Polar hares, which formed an + +agreeable addition to the larder. They were much less timorous than the European + +species, and allowed themselves to be caught in great numbers. They belong to + +the rodent family, and have long ears, brown eyes, and a soft fur resembling + +swan's down. They weigh from ten to fifteen pounds each, and their flesh is + +excellent. Hundreds of them were cared for winter use, and the remainder + +converted into excellent pies by the skilful hands of Mrs Joliffe.</p> + +<p>While making provision for future wants, the daily supplies were not + +neglected. In addition to the Polar hares, which underwent every variety of + +culinary treatment from Mrs Joliffe, and won for her compliments innumerable + +from hunters and workmen alike, many waterfowl figured in the bill of fare. + +Besides the ducks which abounded on the shores of the lagoon, large flocks of + +grouse congregated round the clumps of stunted willows. They belong, as their + +zoological name implies, to the partridge family, and might be aptly described + +as white partridges with long black-spotted feathers in the tail. The Indians + +call them willow-fowl; but to a European sportsman they are neither more nor + +less than blackcock <i>(Tetrao tetrix).</i> When roasted slightly before a quick + +clear fire they proved delicious.</p> + +<p>Then there were the supplies furnished by lake and stream. Sergeant Long was + +a first-rate angler, and nothing could surpass the skill and patience with which + +he whipped the water and cast his line. The faithful Madge, another worthy + +disciple of Isaak Walton was perhaps his only equal. Day after day the two + +sallied forth together rod in hand, to spend the day in mute companionship by + +the river-side, whence they were sure to return in triumph laden with some + +splendid specimens of the salmon tribe.</p> + +<p>But to return to our sportsmen; they soon found that their hunting excursions + +were not to be free from peril. Hobson perceived with some alarm that bears were + +very numerous in the neighbourhood and that scarcely a day passed without one or + +more of them being sighted. Sometimes these unwelcome visitors belonged to the + +family of brown bears, so common throughout the whole "Cursed Land; "but now and + +then a solitary specimen of the formidable Polar bear warned the hunters what + +dangers they might have to encounter so soon as the first frost should drive + +great numbers of these fearful animals to the neighbourhood of Cape Bathurst. + +Every book of Arctic explorations is full of accounts of the frequent perils to + +which travellers and whalers are exposed from the ferocity of these animals.</p> + +<p>Now and then, too, a distant pack of wolves was seen, which receded like a + +wave at the approach of the hunters, or the sound of their bark was heard as + +they followed the trail of a reindeer or wapiti. These creatures were large grey + +wolves, about three feet high, with long tails, whose fur becomes white in the + +winter. They abounded in this part of the country, where food was plentiful; and + +frequented wooded spots, where they lived in holes like foxes. During the + +temperate season, when they could get as much as they wanted to eat, they were + +scarcely dangerous, and fled with the characteristic cowardice of their race at + +the first sign of pursuit; but when impelled by hunger, their numbers rendered + +them very formidable; and from the fact of their lairs being close at hand, they + +never left the country even in the depth of winter.</p> + +<p>One day the sportsmen returned to Fort Hope, bringing with them an + +unpleasant-looking animal, which neither Mrs Paulina Barnett nor the astronomer, + +Thomas Black, had ever before seen. It was a carnivorous creature of the + +plantigrada family, and greatly resembled the American glutton, being strongly + +built, with short legs, and, like all animals of the feline tribe, a very supple + +back; its eyes were small and horny, and it was armed with curved claws and + +formidable jaws.</p> + +<p>"What is this horrid creature?" inquired Mrs Paulina Barnett of Sabine, who + +replied in his usual sententious manner-</p> + +<p>"A Scotchman would call it a 'quick-hatch,' an Indian an 'okelcoo-haw-gew,' + +and a Canadian a 'carcajou."'</p> + +<p>"And what do you call it?"</p> + +<p>"A wolverene, ma'am," returned Sabine, much delighted with the elegant way in + +which he had rounded his sentence.</p> + +<p>The wolverene, as this strange quadruped is called by zoologists, lives in + +hollow trees or rocky caves, whence it issues at night and creates great havoc + +amongst beavers, musk-rats, and other rodents, sometimes fighting with a fox or + +a wolf for its spoils. Its chief characteristics are great cunning, immense + +muscular power, and an acute sense of smell. It is found in very high latitudes; + +and the short fur with which it is clothed becomes almost black in the winter + +months, and forms a large item in the Company's exports.</p> + +<p>During their excursions the settlers paid as much attention to the Flora of + +the country as to its Fauna; but in those regions vegetation, has necessarily a + +hard struggle for existence, as it must brave every season of the year, whereas + +the animals are able to migrate to a warmer climate during the winter.</p> + +<p>The hills on the eastern side, of the lake were well covered with pine and + +fir trees; and Jaspar also noticed the "tacamahac," a species of poplar which + +grows to a great height and shoots forth yellowish leaves which turn green in + +the autumn. These trees and larches were, however, few and sickly looking, as if + +they found the oblique rays of the sun insufficient to make them thrive. The + +black fir, or Norway spruce fir, throve better, especially when situated in + +ravines well sheltered from the north wind. The young shoots of this tree are + +very valuable, yielding a favourite beverage known in North America as " + +spruce-beer." A good crop of these branchlets was gathered in and stored in the + +cellar of Fort Hope. There were also the dwarf birch, a shrub about two feet + +high, native to very cold climates, and whole thickets of cedars, which are so + +valuable for fuel.</p> + +<p>Of vegetables which could be easily grown and used for food, this barren land + +yielded but few; and Mrs Joliffe, who took a great interest in " economic " + +botany, only met with .two plants which were available in cooking.</p> + +<p>One of these, a bulb, very difficult to classify, because its leaves fall off + +just at the flowering season, turned out to be a wild leek, and yielded a good + +crop of onions, each about the size of an egg.</p> + +<p>The other plant was that known throughout North America as "Labrador tea;" it + +grew abundantly on the shores of the lagoon between the clumps of willow and + +arbutus, and formed the principal food of the Polar hares. Steeped in boiling + +water, and flavoured with a few drops of brandy or gin, it formed an excellent + +beverage, and served to economise the supply of China tea which the party had + +brought from Fort Reliance.</p> + +<p>Knowing the scarcity of vegetables, Jaspar Hobson had plenty of seeds with + +him, chiefly sorrel and scurvy-grass (Cochlearia), the antiscorbutic properties + +of which are invaluable in these latitudes. In choosing the site of the + +settlement, such care bad been taken to find a spot sheltered from the keen + +blasts, which shrivel vegetation like a fire, that there was every chance of + +these seeds yielding a good crop in the ensuing season.</p> + +<p>The dispensary of the new fort contained other antiscorbutics, in the shape + +of casks of lemon and lime juice, both of which are absolutely indispensable to + +an Arctic expedition. Still the greatest economy was necessary with regard to + +the stores, as a long period of bad weather might cut off the communication + +between Fort Hope and the southern stations.</p> +<a name="XV" id="XV"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER XV.</h4> + +<h4><i>FIFTEEN MILES FROM CAPE BATHURST.</i></h4> + +<p>September had now commenced, and as upon the most favourable calculation only + +three more weeks would intervene before the bad season set in and interrupted + +the labours of the explorers, the greatest haste was necessary in completing the + +new buildings, and Mac-Nab and his workmen surpassed themselves in industry. The + +dog-house was on the eve of being finished, and very little remained to be done + +to the palisading which was, to encircle the fort. An inner court had been + +constructed, in the shape of a half-moon, fenced with tall pointed stakes, + +fifteen feet high, to which a postern gave entrance. Jaspar Hobson favoured the + +system of an unbroken enclosure with detached forts (a great improvement upon + +the tactics of Vauban and Cormontaigne), and knew that to make his defence + +complete the summit of Cape Bathurst, which was the key of the position, must be + +fortified; until that could be done, however, he thought the palisading would be + +a sufficient protection, at least against quadrupeds.</p> + +<p>The next thing was to lay in a supply of oil and lights, and accordingly an + +expedition was organised to a spot about fifteen miles distant where seals were + +plentiful, Mrs Paulina Barnett being invited to accompany the sportsmen, not + +indeed for the sake of watching the poor creatures slaughtered, but to satisfy + +her curiosity with regard to the country around Cape Bathurst, and to see some + +cliffs on that part of the coast which were worthy of notice. The Lieutenant + +chose as his other companions, Sergeant Long, and the soldiers Petersen, Hope, + +and Kellet, and the party set off at eight o'clock in the morning in two + +sledges, each drawn by six dogs, on which the bodies of the seals were to be + +brought back. The weather was fine, but the fog which lay low along the horizon + +veiled the rays of the sun, whose yellow disk was now beginning to disappear for + +some hours during the night, a circumstance which attracted the Lieutenant's + +attention, for reasons which we will explain.</p> + +<p>That part of the shore to the west of Cape Bathurst rises but a few inches + +above the level of the sea, and the tides are-or are said to be-very high in the + +Arctic Ocean-many navigators, such as Parry, Franklin, the two Rosses, M'Clure, + +and M'Clintock, having observed that when the sun and moon were in conjunction + +the waters were sometimes twenty-five feet above the ordinary level. How then + +was it to be explained that the sea did not at high tide inundate Cape Bathurst, + +which possessed no natural defences such as cliffs or downs? What was it, in + +fact, which prevented the entire submersion of the whole district, and the + +meeting of the waters of the lake with those of the Arctic Ocean?</p> + +<p>Jaspar Hobson could not refrain from remarking on this peculiarity to Mrs + +Barnett, who replied somewhat hastily that she supposed that there were-in spite + +of all that had been said to the contrary-no tides in the Arctic Ocean.</p> + +<p>"On the contrary, madam," said Hobson, "all navigators agree that the ebb and + +flow of Polar seas are very distinctly marked, and it is impossible to believe + +that they can have been mistaken on such a subject."</p> + +<p>"How is it, then," inquired Mrs Barnett, "that this land is not flooded when + +it is scarcely ten feet above the sea level at low tide?"</p> + +<p>"That is just what puzzles me," said Hobson; "for I have been attentively + +watching the tides all through this month, and during that time they have not + +varied more than a foot, and I feel certain, that even during the September + +equinox, they will not rise more than a foot and a half all along the shores of + +Cape Bathurst."</p> + +<p>"Can you not explain this phenomenon?" inquired Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>"Well, madam," replied the Lieutenant, "two conclusions are open to us, + +either of which I find it difficult to believe; such men as Franklin, Parry, + +Ross, and others, are mistaken, and there are no tides on this part of the + +American coast; or, as in the Mediterranean, to which the waters of the Atlantic + +have not free ingress, the straits are too narrow to be affected by the ocean + +currents."</p> + +<p>"The latter would appear to be the more reasonable hypothesis, Mr + +Hobson."</p> + +<p>"It is not, however, thoroughly satisfactory," said the Lieutenant, "and I + +feel sure that if we could but find it, there is some simple and natural + +explanation of the phenomenon."</p> + +<p>After a monotonous journey along a flat and sandy shore, the party reached + +their destination, and, having unharnessed the teams, they were left behind lest + +they should startle the seals.</p> + +<p>At the first glance around them, all were equally struck with the contrast + +between the appearance of this district and that of Cape Bathurst.</p> + +<p>Here the coast line was broken and fretted, showing manifest traces of its + +igneous origin; whereas the site of the fort was of sedimentary formation and + +aqueous origin. Stone, so conspicuously absent at the cape, was here plentiful; + +the black sand and porous lava were strewn with huge boulders deeply imbedded in + +the soil, and there were large quantities of the aluminium, silica, and felspar + +pebbles peculiar to the crystalline strata of one class of igneous rocks. + +Glittering Labrador stones, and many other kinds of felspar, red, green, and + +blue, were sprinkled on the unfrequented beach, with grey and yellow + +pummice-stone, and lustrous variegated obsidian. Tall cliffs, rising some two + +hundred feet above the sea, frowned down upon the bay; and the Lieutenant + +resolved to climb them, and obtain a good view of the eastern side of the + +country. For this there was plenty of time, as but few of the creatures they had + +come to seek were as yet to be seen, and the proper time for the attack would be + +when they assembled for the afternoon siesta in which the. amphibious mammalia + +always indulge. The Lieutenant, however, quickly discovered that the animals + +frequenting this coast were not, as he had been led to suppose, true seals, + +although they belonged to the Phocida family, but morses or walruses, sometimes + +called sea-cows. They resemble the seals in general form, but the canine teeth + +of the upper jaw curved down-wards are much more largely developed.</p> + +<p>Following the coast line, which curved considerably, and to which they gave + +the name of " Walruses' Bay," the party soon reached the foot of the cliff, and + +Petersen, Hope, and Kellet, took up their position as sentinels on the little + +promontory, whilst Mrs Barnett, Hobson, and Long, after promising not to lose + +sight of their comrades, and to be on the look-out for their signal, proceeded + +to climb the cliff, the summit of which they reached in about a quarter of an + +hour. From this position they were able to survey the whole surrounding country; + +at their feet lay the vast sea, stretching northwards as far as the eye .could + +reach, its expanse so entirely unbroken by islands or icebergs that the + +travellers came to the conclusion, that this portion of the Arctic waters was + +navigable as far as Behring Straits, and that during the summer season the + +North-West Passage to Cape Bathurst would, be open to the Company's ships. On + +the west, the aspect of the country explained the presence of the volcanic + +<i>debris</i> on the shore; for at a distance of about ten miles was a chain of + +granitic hills, of conical form, with blunted crests, looking as if their + +summits had been cut off, and with jagged tremulous outlines standing out + +against the sky. They bad hitherto escaped the notice of our party, as they were + +concealed by the cliffs on the Cape Bathurst side, and Jaspar Hobson examined + +them in silence, but with great attention, before he proceeded to study the + +eastern side, which consisted of a long strip of perfectly level coast-line + +stretching away to Cape Bathurst. Any one provided with a good field-glass would + +have been able to distinguish the fort of Good Hope, and perhaps even the cloud + +of blue smoke, which was no doubt at that very moment issuing from Mrs Joliffe's + +kitchen chimney.</p> + +<p>The country behind them seemed to possess two entirely distinct characters; + +to the east and south the cape was bounded by a vast plain, many hundreds of + +square miles in extent, while behind the cliff, from "Walruses' Bay" to the + +mountains mentioned above, the country had undergone terrible convulsions, + +showing clearly that it owed its origin to volcanic eruptions. The Lieutenant + +was much struck with this marked contrast, and Sergeant Long asked him whether + +he thought the mountains on the western horizon were volcanoes.</p> + +<p>"Undoubtedly," said Hobson; "all these pumice-stones and pebbles have been + +discharged by them to this distance, and if we were to go two or three miles + +farther, we should find ourselves treading upon nothing but lava and ashes."</p> + +<p>"Do you suppose," inquired the Sergeant, "that all these volcanoes are still + +active?"</p> + +<p>"That I cannot tell you yet."</p> + +<p>"But there is no smoke issuing from any of them," added the Sergeant.</p> + +<p>"That proves nothing; your pipe is not always in your mouth, and it is just + +the same with volcanoes, they are not always smoking."</p> + +<p>"I see," said the Sergeant; "but it is a great puzzle to me how volcanoes can + +exist at all. on Polar continents."</p> + +<p>"Well, there are not many of them !" said Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>"No, madam," replied Jaspar, "but they are not so very rare either; they are + +to be found in Jan Mayen's Land, the Aleutian Isles, Kamtchatka, Russian + +America, and Iceland, as well as in the Antarctic circle, in Tierra del Fuego, + +and Australasia. They are the chimneys of the great furnace in the centre of the + +earth, where Nature makes her chemical experiments, and it appears to me that + +the Creator of all things has taken care to place these safety-valves wherever + +they were most needed."</p> + +<p>"I suppose so," replied the Sergeant; "and yet it does seem very strange to + +find them in this icy climate."</p> + +<p>"Why should they not be here as well as anywhere else, Sergeant? I should say + +that ventilation holes are likely to be more numerous at the Poles than at the + +Equator !"</p> + +<p>"Why so?" asked the Sergeant in much surprise.</p> + +<p>"Because, if these safety-valves are forced open by the pressure of + +subterranean gases, it will most likely be at the spots where the surface of the + +earth is thinest, and as the globe is flattened at the poles, it would appear + +natural that-but Kellet is making signs to us," added the Lieutenant, breaking + +off abruptly; "will you join us, Mrs Barnett?"</p> + +<p>"No, thank you. I will stay here until we return to the fort. I don't care to + +watch the walrus slaughtered!"</p> + +<p>"Very well," replied Hobson, "only don't forget to join us in an hour's time, + +meanwhile you can enjoy the view."</p> + +<p>The beach was soon reached, and some hundred walrus had collected, either + +waddling about on their clumsy webbed feet, or sleeping in family groups. Some + +few of the larger males-creatures nearly four feet long, clothed with very short + +reddish fur-kept guard over the herd.</p> + +<p>Great caution was required in approaching these formidable looking animals, + +and the hunters took advantage of every bit of cover afforded by rocks and + +inequalities of the ground, so as to get within easy range of them and cut off + +their retreat to the sea.</p> + +<p>On land these creatures are clumsy and awkward, moving in jerks or with + +creeping motions like huge caterpillars, but in water -their native element-they + +are nimble and even graceful; indeed their strength is so great, that they have + +been known to overturn the whalers in pursuit of them.</p> + +<p>As the hunters drew near the sentinels took alarm, and raising their heads + +looked searchingly around them; but before they could warn their companions of + +danger, Hobson and Kellet rushed upon them from one side, the Sergeant, + +Petersen, and Hope from the other, and after lodging a ball in each of their + +bodies, despatched them with their spears, whilst the rest of the herd plunged + +into the sea.</p> + +<p>The victory was an easy one; the five victims were very large and their + +tusks, though slightly rough, of the best quality. They were chiefly valuable, + +however, on account of the oil; of which-being in excellent condition-they would + +yield a large quantity. The bodies were packed in the sledges, and proved no + +light weight for the dogs.</p> + +<p>It was now one o'clock, and Mrs Barnett having joined them, the party set out + +on foot-the sledges being full-to return to the fort. There were but ten miles + +to be traversed, but ten miles in a straight line is a weary journey, proving + +the truth of the adage "It's a long lane that has no turning." They beguiled the + +tediousness of the way by chatting pleasantly, and Mrs Barnett was ready to join + +in the conversation, or to listen with interest to the accounts the worthy + +soldiers gave of former adventures; but in spite of the brave struggle against + +<i>ennui</i> they advanced but slowly, and the poor dogs found it hard work to + +drag the heavily-laden sledges over the rough ground. Had it been covered with + +frozen snow the distance would have been accomplished in a couple of hours.</p> + +<p>The merciful Lieutenant often ordered a halt to give the teams + +breathing-time, and the Sergeant remarked that it would be much more convenient + +for the inhabitants of the fort, if the morses would settle a little nearer Cape + +Bathurst.</p> + +<p>"They could not find a suitable spot," replied the Lieutenant, with a + +melancholy shake of the head.</p> + +<p>"Why not?" inquired Mrs Barnett with some surprise.</p> + +<p>"Because they only congregate where the slope of the beach is gradual enough + +to allow of their creeping up easily from the sea. Now Cape Bathurst rises + +abruptly, like a perpendicular wall, from water three hundred fathoms deep. It + +is probable that ages ago portion of the continent was rent away in some violent + +volcanic convulsion, and flung into the Arctic Ocean. Hence the absence of + +morses on the beach of our cape."</p> +<a name="XVI" id="XVI"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER XVI.</h4> + +<h4><i>TWO SHOTS.</i></h4> + +<p>The first half of September passed rapidly away. Had Fort Hope been situated + +at the Pole itself, that is to say, twenty degrees farther north, the polar + +night would have set in on the 21st of that month But under the seventieth + +parallel the sun would be visible above the horizon for another month. + +Nevertheless, the temperature was already decidedly colder, the thermometer fell + +during the night to 31? Fahrenheit; and thin coatings of ice appeared here and + +there, to be dissolved again in the day-time.</p> + +<p>But the settlers were able to await the coming of winter without alarm; they + +had a more than sufficient store of provisions, their supply of dried venison + +had largely increased, another score of morses had been killed, the tame + +rein-deer were warmly and comfortably housed, and a huge wooden shed behind the + +house was filled with fuel. In short, everything was prepared for the Polar + +night.</p> + +<p>And now all the wants of the inhabitants of the fort being provided for, it + +was time to think of the interests of the Company. The Arctic creatures had now + +assumed their winter furs, and were therefore of the greatest value, and Hobson + +organised shooting parties for the remainder of the fine weather, intending to + +set traps when the snow should prevent further excursions.</p> + +<p>They would have plenty to do to satisfy the requirements of the Company, for + +so far north it was of no use to depend on the Indians, who are generally the + +purveyors of the factories.</p> + +<p>The first expedition was to the haunt of a family of beavers, long since + +noted by the watchful Lieutenant, on a tributary of the stream already referred + +to. It is true, the fur of the beaver is not now as valuable as when it was used + +for hats, and fetched ?16 per kilogramme (rather more than 2 lb.); but it still + +commands a high price as the animal is becoming very scarce, in consequence of + +the reckless way in which it has been hunted.</p> + +<p>When the party reached their destination, the Lieutenant called Mrs Barnett's + +attention to the great ingenuity displayed by beavers in the construction of + +their submarine city. There were some hundred animals in the little colony now + +to be invaded, and they lived together in pairs in the "holes" or "vaults" they + +had hollowed out near the stream. They had already commenced their preparations + +for the winter, and were hard at work constructing their dams and laying up + +their piles of wood. A dam of admirable structure had already been built across + +the stream, which was deep and rapid enough not to freeze far below the surface, + +even in the severest weather. This dam, which was convex towards the current, + +consisted of a collection of upright stakes interlaced with branches and roots, + +the whole being cemented together and rendered watertight with the clayey mud of + +the river, previously pounded by the animals' feet. The beavers use their + +tails-which are large and flat, with scales instead of hair at the root-for + +plastering over their buildings and beating the clay into shape.</p> + +<p>"The object of this dam," said the Lieutenant to Mrs Barnett, "is to secure + +to the beavers a sufficient depth of water at all seasons of the year, and to + +enable the engineers of the tribe to build the round huts called houses or + +lodges, the tops of which you can just see. They are extremely solid structures, + +and the walls made of stick, clay, roots, &c., are two feet thick., They can + +only be entered from below the water, and their owners have therefore to dive + +when they go home-an admirable arrangement for their protection. Each lodge + +contains two stories; in the lower the winter stock of branches, bark, and + +roots, is laid up, and the upper is the residence of the householder and his + +family."</p> + +<p>"There is, however, not a beaver in sight," said Mrs Barnett; "is this a + +deserted village?"</p> + +<p>"Oh no," replied the Lieutenant, "the inhabitants are now all asleep and + +resting; they only work in the night, and we mean to surprise them in their + +holes."</p> + +<p>This was, in fact, easily done, and in an hour's time about a hundred of the + +ill-fated rodents had been captured, twenty of which were of very great value, + +their fur being black, and therefore especially esteemed. That of the others was + +also long, glossy, and silky, but of a reddish hue mixed with chestnut brown. + +Beneath the long fur, the beavers have a second coat of close short hair of a + +greyish-white colour.</p> + +<p>The hunters returned to the fort much delighted with the result of their + +expedition. The beavers' skins were warehoused and labelled as "parchments" or + +"young beavers," according to their value.</p> + +<p>Excursions of a similar kind were carried on throughout the month of + +September, and during the first half of October, with equally happy results.</p> + +<p>A few badgers were taken, the skin being used as an ornament for the collars + +of draught horses, and the hair for making brushes of every variety. These + +carnivorous creatures belong to the bear family, and the specimens obtained by + +Hobson were of the genus peculiar to North America, sometimes called the Taxel + +badger.</p> + +<p>Another animal of the rodent family, nearly as industrious as the beaver, + +largely contributed to the stores of the Company. This was the musk-rat or + +musquash. Its head and body are about a foot long and its tail ten inches. Its + +fur is in considerable demand. These creatures, like the rest of their family, + +multiply with extreme rapidity, and a great number were easily unearthed.</p> + +<p>In the pursuit of lynxes and wolverines or gluttons, fire-arms had to be + +used. The lynx has all the suppleness and agility of the feline tribe to which + +it belongs, and is formidable even to the rein-deer; Marbre and Sabine were, + +however, well up to their work, and succeeded in killing more than sixty of + +them. A few wolverines or gluttons were also despatched, their fur is + +reddish-brown, and that of the lynx, light-red with black spots; both are of + +considerable value.</p> + +<p>Very few ermines or stoats were seen, and Jaspar Hobson ordered his men to + +spare any which happened to cross their path until the winter, when they should + +have assumed their beautiful snow-white coats with the one black spot at the tip + +of the tail. At present the upper fur was reddish-brown and the under yellowish + +white, so that, as Sabine expressed it, it was desirable to let them " ripen," + +or, in other words,-to wait for the cold to bleach them.</p> + +<p>Their cousins, the polecats, however, which emit so disagreeable an odour, + +fell victims in great numbers to the hunters, who either tracked them to their + +homes in hollow trees, or shot them as they glided through the branches.</p> + +<p>Martens, properly so-called, were hunted with great zeal. Their fur is in + +considerable demand, although not so valuable as that of the sable, which + +becomes a dark lustrous brown in the winter. The latter did not, however, come + +in the way of our hunters, as it only frequents the north of Europe and Asia as + +far as Kamtchatka, and is chiefly hunted by the inhabitants of Siberia. They had + +to be content with the polecats and pine-martens, called " Canada- martens," + +which frequent the shores of the Arctic Ocean.</p> + +<p>All the weasels and martens are very difficult to catch; they wriggle their + +long supple bodies through the smallest apertures with great ease, and thus + +elude their pursuers. In the winter, however, they are easily taken in traps, + +and Marbre and Sabine looked forward to make up for lost time then, when, said + +they, "there shall be plenty of their furs in the Company's stores."</p> + +<p>We have now only to mention the Arctic or blue and silver foxes, to complete + +the list of animals which swelled the profits of the Hudson's Bay Company.</p> + +<p>The furs of these foxes are esteemed in the Russian and English markets above + +all others, and that of the blue fox is the most valuable of all. This pretty + +creature has a black muzzle, and the fur is not as one would suppose blue, but + +whitish-brown; its great price-six times that of any other kind-arises from its + +superior softness, thickness, and length. A cloak belonging to the Emperor of + +Russia, composed entirely of fur from the neck of the blue fox (the fur from the + +neck is considered better than that from any other part), was shown at the + +London Exhibition of 1851, and valued at ?3400 sterling.</p> + +<p>Several of these foxes were sighted at Cape Bathurst, but all escaped the + +hunters; whilst only about a dozen silver foxes fell into their hands. The fur + +of the latter-of a lustrous black dotted with white-is much sought after in + +England and Russia, although it does not command so high a price as that of the + +foxes mentioned above.</p> + +<p>One of the silver foxes captured was a splendid creature, with a coal-black + +fur tipped with white at the extreme end of the tail, and with a dash of the + +some on the forehead. The circumstances attending its death deserve relation in + +detail, as they proved that Hobson was right in the precautions he had taken</p> + +<p>On the morning of the 24th September, two sledges conveyed Mrs Barnett, the + +Lieutenant, Sergeant Long. Marbre, and Sabine, to Walruses' Bay. Some traces of + +foxes had been noticed the evening before, amongst some rocks clothed with + +scanty herbage and the direction taken by the animals was very clearly + +indicated. The hunters followed up the trail of a large animal, and were + +rewarded by bringing down a very fine silver fox.</p> + +<p>Several other animals of the same species were sighted, and the hunters + +divided into two parties-Marbre and Sabine going after one foe, and Mrs Barnett, + +Hobson, and the Sergeant, trying to cut off the retreat of another fine animal + +hiding behind some rocks.</p> + +<p>Great caution and some artifice was necessary to deal with this crafty + +animal, which took care not to expose itself to a shot. The pursuit lasted for + +half-an-hour without success; but at last the poor creature, with the sea on one + +side and its three enemies on the other, had recourse in its desperation to a + +flying leap, thinking thus to escape with its life. But Hobson was too quick for + +it; and as it bounded by like a flash of lightning, it was struck by a shot, and + +to every one's surprise, the report of the Lieutenant's gun was succeeded by + +that of another, and a second ball entered the body of the fox, which fell to + +the ground mortally wounded.</p> + +<p>"Hurrah! hurrah !" cried Hobson, "it is mine!"</p> + +<p>"And mine!" said another voice, and a stranger stept forward and placed his + +foot upon the fox just as the Lieutenant was about to raise it.</p> + +<p>Hobson drew back in astonishment. He thought the second ball had been fired + +by the Sergeant, and found himself face to face with a stranger whose gun was + +still smoking.</p> + +<p>The rivals gazed at each other in silence.</p> + +<p>The rest of the party now approached, and the stranger was quickly joined by + +twelve comrades, four of whom were like himself " Canadian travellers," and + +eight Chippeway Indians.</p> + +<p>The leader was a tall man-a fine specimen of his class-those Canadian + +trappers described in the romances of Washington Irving, whose competition + +Hobson had dreaded with such good reason. He wore the traditional costume + +ascribed to his fellow-hunters by the great American writer; a blanket loosely + +arranged about his person, a striped cotton shirt, wide cloth trousers, leather + +gaiters, deerskin mocassins, and a sash of checked woollen stuff round the + +waist, from which were suspended his knife, tobacco-pouch, pipe, and a few + +useful tools.</p> + +<p>Hobson was right. The man before him was a Frenchman, or at least a + +descendant of the French Canadians, perhaps an agent of the American Company + +come to act as a spy on the settlers in the fort. The other four Canadians wore + +a costume resembling that of their leader, but of coarser materials.</p> + +<p>The Frenchman bowed politely to Mrs Barnett, and the Lieutenant was the first + +to break the silence, during which he had not removed his eyes from his rival's + +face.</p> + +<p>"This fox is mine, sir," he said quietly.</p> + +<p>"It is if you killed it !" replied the other in good English, but with a + +slightly foreign accent.</p> + +<p>"Excuse me, sir," replied Hobson rather sharply, "it is mine in any + +case."</p> + +<p>The stranger smiled. scornfully at this lofty reply, so exactly what be + +expected from an agent of the Hudson's Bay Company, which claims supremacy over + +all the northern districts, from the Atlantic to the Pacific.</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to say," he said at last, gracefully toying with his gun, "that + +you consider the Hudson's Bay Company mistress of the whole of North + +America?"</p> + +<p>"Of course I do," said Hobson; "and if, as I imagine, you belong to an + +American company-</p> + +<p>"To the St Louis Fur Company," replied the stranger with a bow.</p> + +<p>"I think," added the Lieutenant, "that you will find it difficult to show the + +grants entitling you to any privileges here."</p> + +<p>"Grants! privileges !" cried the Canadian scornfully, "old world terms which + +are out of place in America !"</p> + +<p>"You are not now on American but on English ground," replied the Lieutenant + +proudly.</p> + +<p>"This is no time for such a discussion," said the hunter rather warmly. "We + +all know the old claims made by the English in general, and the Hudson's Bay + +Company in particular, to these hunting grounds; but I expect coming events will + +soon alter this state of things, and America will be America from the Straits of + +Magellan to the North Pole !"</p> + +<p>"I do not agree with you," replied Hobson dryly.</p> + +<p>"Well, sir, however that may be," said the Canadian, "let us suffer this + +international question to remain in abeyance for the present. Whatever rights + +the Company may arrogate to itself, it is very clear that in the extreme north + +of the continent, and especially on the coast, the territory belongs to whoever + +occupies it. You have founded a factory on Cape Bathurst, therefore we will + +respect your domain, and you on your side will avoid ours, when the St Louis + +fur-traders have established their projected fort at another point on the + +northern shore of America."</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant frowned at this speech, for he well knew what complications + +would arise in the future when the Hudson's Bay Company would be compelled to + +struggle for supremacy with powerful rivals, and that quarrelling and even + +bloodshed would ensue; he could not, however, but acknowledge that this was not + +the time to begin the discussion, and he was not sorry when the hunter, whose + +manners, to tell the truth, were very polite, placed the dispute on another + +footing.</p> + +<p>"As for this present matter," said the Canadian, "it is of minor importance, + +and we must settle it according to the rules of the chase. Our guns are of + +different calibre, and our balls can be easily distinguished; let the fox belong + +to whichever of us really killed it."</p> + +<p>The proposition was a fair one, and the body of the victim was examined + +accordingly. One ball had entered at the side, the other at the heart; and the + +latter was from the gun of the Canadian.</p> + +<p>"The fox is your property, sir," said Jaspar Hobson, vainly endeavouring to + +conceal his chagrin at seeing this valuable spoil fall into the enemy's + +hands.</p> + +<p>The Canadian took it, but instead of throwing it over his shoulder and + +carrying it off, he turned to Mrs Barnett, and said " Ladies are fond of + +beautiful furs, and although, perhaps, if they knew better what dangers and + +difficulties have to be surmounted in order to obtain them, they might not care + +so much about them, they are not likely to refuse to wear them on that account, + +and I hope, madam, you will favour me by accepting this one in remembrance of + +our meeting."</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett hesitated for a moment, but the gift was offered with so much + +courtesy and kindliness of manner, that it would have seemed churlish to refuse, + +and she therefore accepted it with many thanks.</p> + +<p>This little ceremony over, the stranger again bowed politely, and, followed + +by his comrades, quickly disappeared behind the rocks, whilst the Lieutenant and + +his party returned to Fort Good Hope. Hobson was very silent and thoughtful all + +the way; for he could not but feel that the existence of a rival company would + +greatly compromise the success of his undertaking, and lead to many future + +difficulties.</p> +<a name="XVII" id="XVII"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER XVII.</h4> + +<h4><i>THE APPROACH OF WINTER.</i></h4> + +<p>It was the 21st of September. The sun was then passing through the autumnal + +equinox, that is to say, the day and night were of equal length all over the + +world. These successive alternations of light and darkness were hailed with + +delight by the inhabitants of the fort. It is easier to sleep in the absence of + +the sun, and darkness refreshes and strengthens the eyes, weary with the + +unchanging brightness of several months of daylight.</p> + +<p>We know that during the equinox the tides are generally at their greatest + +height; we have high water or flood, for the sun and moon being in conjunction, + +their double influence is brought to bear upon the waters. It was, therefore, + +necessary to note carefully the approaching tide at Cape Bathurst. Jaspar Hobson + +had made bench marks some days before, so as to estimate exactly the amount of + +vertical displacement of the waters between high and low tide; he found, + +however, that in spite of all the reports of previous observers, the combined + +solar and lunar influence was hardly felt in this part of the Arctic Ocean. + +There was scarcely any tide at all, and the statements of navigators on the + +subject were contradicted.</p> + +<p>"There is certainly something unnatural here !" said Lieutenant Hobson to + +himself.</p> + +<p>He did not in fact know what to think, but other cares soon occupied his + +mind, and he did not long endeavour to get to the rights of this singular + +peculiarity.</p> + +<p>On the 29th September the state of the atmosphere changed considerably. The + +thermometer fell to 41? Fahrenheit, and the sky became covered with clouds which + +were soon converted into heavy rain. The bad season was approaching.</p> + +<p>Before the ground should be covered with snow, Mrs Joliffe was busy sowing + +the seeds of <i>Cochlearia</i> (scurvy grass) and sorrel, in the hope that as + +they were very hardy, and would be well protected from the rigour of the winter + +by the snow itself, they would come up in the spring. Her garden, consisting of + +several acres hidden behind the cliff of the cape, had been prepared beforehand, + +and it was sown during the last days of September.</p> + +<p>Hobson made his companions assume their winter garments before the great cold + +set in, and all were soon suitably clothed in the linen under vests, deerskin + +cloaks, sealskin pantaloons, fur bonnets, and waterproof boots with which they + +were provided. We may also say that the rooms were suitably dressed; the wooden + +walls were hung with skins, in order to prevent the formation upon them of coats + +of ice in sudden falls of temperature. About this time, Rae set up his + +condensers for collecting the vapour suspended in the air, which were to be + +emptied twice a week. The heat of the stove was regulated according to the + +variations of the external temperature, so as to keep the thermometer of the + +rooms at 50? Fahrenheit. The house would soon be covered with thick snow, which + +would prevent any waste of the internal warmth, and by this combination of + +natural and artificial protections they hoped to be able successfully to contend + +with their two most formidable enemies, cold and damp.</p> + +<p>On the 2nd October the thermometer fell still lower, and the first snow storm + +came on; there was but little wind, and there were therefore none of those + +violent whirlpools of snow called drifts, but a vast white carpet of uniform + +thickness soon clothed the cape, the <i>enceinte</i> of fort, and the coast. The + +waters of the lake and sea, not yet petrified by the icy hand of winter, were of + +a dull, gloomy, greyish hue, and on the northern horizon the first icebergs + +stood out against the misty sky. The blockade had not yet commenced, but nature + +was collecting her materials, soon to be cemented by the cold into an + +impenetrable barrier.</p> + +<p>The " young ice " was rapidly forming on the liquid surfaces of sea and lake. + +The lagoon was the first to freeze over; large whitish-grey patches appeared + +here and there, signs of a hard frost setting in, favoured by the calmness of + +the atmosphere. and after a night during which the thermometer had remained at + +15? Fahrenheit, the surface of the lake was smooth and firm enough to satisfy + +the most fastidious skaters of the Serpentine. On the verge of the horizon, the + +sky assumed that peculiar appearance which whalers call ice-blink, and which is + +the result of the glare of light reflected obliquely from the surface of the ice + +against the opposite atmosphere. Vast tracts of the ocean became gradually + +solidified, the ice-fields, formed by the accumulation of icicles, became welded + +to the coast, presenting a surface broken and distorted by the action of the + +waves, and contrasting strongly with the smooth mirror of the lake. Here and + +there floated these long pieces, scarcely cemented together at the edges, known + +as " drift ice," and the " hummocks," or protuberances caused by the squeezing + +of one piece against another, were also of frequent occurrence.</p> + +<p>In a few days the aspect of Cape Bathurst and the surrounding districts was + +completely changed. Mrs Barnett's delight and enthusiasm knew no bounds; + +everything was new to her, and she would have thought no fatigue or suffering + +too great to be endured for the sake of witnessing such a spectacle. She could + +imagine nothing more sublime than this invasion of winter with all its mighty + +forces, this conquest of the northern regions by the cold. All trace of the + +distinctive features of the country had disappeared; the land was metamorphosed, + +a new country was springing into being before her admiring eyes, a country + +gifted with a grand and touching beauty. Details were lost, only the large + +outlines were given, scarcely marked out against the misty sky. One + +transformation scene followed another with magic rapidity. The ocean, which but + +lately lifted up its mighty waves, was hushed and still; the verdant soil of + +various hues was replaced by a carpet of dazzling whiteness; the woods of trees + +of different kinds were converted into groups of gaunt skeletons draped in + +hoar-frost; the radiant orb of day had become a pale disc, languidly running its + +allotted course in the thick fog, and visible but for a few hours a day, whilst + +the sea horizon, no longer clearly cut against the sky, was hidden by an endless + +chain of ice-bergs, broken into countless rugged forms, and building up that + +impenetrable ice-wall, which Nature has set up between the Pole and the bold + +explorers who endeavour to reach it.</p> + +<p>We can well understand to how many discussions and conversations the altered + +appearance of the country gave rise. Thomas Black was the only one who remained + +indifferent to the sublime beauty of the scene. But what could one expect of an + +astronomer so wrapped up in his one idea, that he might be said to be present in + +the little colony in the body, but absent in spirit? He lived in the + +contemplation of the heavenly bodies, passing from the examination of one + +constellation to that of another, roving in imagination through the vast realms + +of space, peopled by countless radiant orbs, and fuming with rage when fogs or + +clouds hid the objects of his devotion from his sight. Hobson consoled him by + +promising him fine cold nights admirably suited to astronomical observations, + +when he could watch the beautiful Aurora Borealis, the lunar halos, and other + +phenomena of Polar countries worthy even of his admiration.</p> + +<p>The cold was not at this time too intense; there was no wind, and it is the + +wind which makes the cold so sharp and biting. Hunting was vigorously carried on + +for some days. The magazines became stocked with new furs, and fresh stores of + +provisions were laid up. Partridges and ptarmigans on their way to the south + +passed over the fort in great numbers, and supplied fresh and wholesome meat. + +Polar or Arctic hares were plentiful, and had already assumed their white winter + +robes. About a hundred of these rodents formed a valuable addition to the + +reserves of the colony.</p> + +<p>There were also large flocks of the whistling swan or hooper, one of the + +finest species of North America. The hunters killed several couples of them, + +handsome birds, four or five feet in entire length, with white plumage, touched + +with copper colour on the head and upper part of neck. They were on their way to + +a more hospitable zone, where they could find the aquatic plants and insects + +they required for food, and they sped through the air at a rapid pace, for it is + +as much their native element as water. Trumpeter swans, with a cry like the + +shrill tone of a clarion, which are about the same size as the hoopers, but have + +black feet and beaks, also passed in great numbers, but neither Marbre nor + +Sabine were fortunate enough to bring down any of them. However, they shouted + +out "au revoir" in significant tones, for they knew that they would return with + +the first breezes of spring and that they could then be easily caught. Their + +skin, plumage, and down, are all of great value, and they are therefore eagerly + +hunted. In some favourable years tens of thousands of them have been exported, + +fetching half a guinea a piece.</p> + +<p>During these excursions, which only lasted for a few hours, and were often + +interrupted by bad weather, packs of wolves were often met with. There was no + +need to go far to find them, for, rendered bold by hunger, they already ventured + +close to the factory. Their scent is very keen, and they were attracted by the + +smell from the kitchen. During the night they could be heard howling in a + +threatening manner. Although not dangerous individually, these carnivorous + +beasts are formidable in packs, and the hunters therefore took care to be well + +armed when they went beyond the enceinte of the fort.</p> + +<p>The bears were still more aggressive. Not a day passed without several of + +these animals being seen. At night they would come close up to the enclosure, + +and sane were even wounded with shot, but got off, staining the snow with their + +blood, so that up to October 10th not one had left its warm and valuable fur in + +the hands of the hunters. Hobson would not have them molested, rightly judging + +that with such formidable creatures it was best to remain on the defensive, and + +it was not improbable that, urged on by hunger, they might attack Fort Hope + +before very long. Then the little colony could defend itself, and provision its + +stores at the same time.</p> + +<p>For a few days the weather continued dry and cold, the surface of the snow + +was firm and suitable for walking, so that a few excursions were made without + +difficulty along the coast on the south of the fort. The Lieutenant was anxious + +to ascertain if the agents of the St Louis Fur Company had left the country. No + +traces were, however, found of their return march, and it was therefore + +concluded that they had gone down to some southern fort to pass the winter by + +another route.</p> + +<p>The few fine days were soon over, and in the first week of November the wind + +veered round to the south, making the temperature warmer, it is true, but also + +bringing heavy snow-storms. The ground was soon covered with a soft cushion + +several feet thick, which had to be cleared away round the house every day, + +whilst a lane was made through it to the postern, the shed, and the stable of + +the dogs and rein-deer. Excursions became more and more rare, and it was + +impossible to walk without snow-shoes.</p> + +<p>When the snow has become hardened by frost, it easily sustains the weight of + +a man; but when it is soft and yielding, and the unfortunate pedestrian sinks + +into it up to his knees, the snow-shoes used by Indians are invaluable.</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Hobson and his companions were quite accustomed to walk in them, + +and could glide about over the snow as rapidly as skaters on ice; Mrs Barnett + +had early practised wearing them, and was quite as expert in their use as the + +rest of the party. The frozen lake as well as the coast was scoured by these + +indefatigable explorers, who were even able to advance several miles from the + +shore on the solid surface of the ocean now covered with ice several feet thick. + +It was, however, very tiring work, for the ice-fields were rugged and uneven, + +strewn with piled-up ridges of ice and hummocks which had to be turned. Further + +out a chain of icebergs, some five hundred feet high, barred their progress. + +These mighty icebergs, broken into fantastic and picturesque forms, were a truly + +magnificent spectacle. Here they looked like the whitened ruins of a town with + +curtains battered in, and monuments and columns overthrown; there like some + +volcanic land torn and convulsed by earthquakes and eruptions; a confusion of + +glaciers and glittering ice-peaks with snowy ramparts and buttresses, valleys, + +and crevasses, mountains and hillocks, tossed and distorted like the famous Alps + +of Switzerland. A few scattered birds, petrels, guillemots, and puffins, + +lingering behind their fellows, still enlivened the vast solitude with their + +piercing cries; huge white bears roamed about amongst the hummocks, their + +dazzling coats scarcely distinguishable from the shining ice-truly there was + +enough to interest and excite our adventurous lady traveller, and even Madge, + +the faithful Madge, shared the enthusiasm of her mistress. How far, how very + +far, were both from the tropic zones of India or Australia!</p> + +<p>The frozen ocean was firm enough to have allowed of the passage of a park of + +artillery, or the erection of a monument, and many were the excursions on its + +surface until the sudden lowering of the temperature rendered all exertion so + +exhausting that they had to be discontinued. The pedestrians were out of breath + +after taking a few steps, and the dazzling whiteness of the glittering snow + +could not be endured by the naked eye; indeed, the <i>reverberation</i> or + +flickering glare of the undulatory reflection of the light from the surface of + +the snow, has been known to cause several cases of blindness amongst the + +Esquimaux.</p> + +<p>A singular phenomenon due to the refraction of rays of light was now + +observed: distances, depths, and heights lost their true proportions, five or + +six yards of ice looked like two, and many were the falls and ludicrous results + +of this optical illusion.</p> + +<p>On October 14th the thermometer marked 3? Fahrenheit below zero, a severe + +temperature to endure, especially when the north wind blows strongly. The air + +seemed to be made of needles, and those who ventured out of the house were in + +great danger of being frost-bitten, when death or mortification would ensue if + +the suspended circulation of the blood were not restored by immediate friction + +with snow. Garry, Belcher, Hope, and other members of the little community were + +attacked by frost-bite, but the parts affected being rubbed in time they escaped + +without serious injury.</p> + +<p>It will readily be understood that all manual labour had now become + +impossible. The days were extremely short, the sun was only above the horizon + +for a few hours and the actual winter, implying entire confinement within doors, + +was about to commence. The last Arctic birds forsook the gloomy shores of the + +Polar Sea, only a few pairs of those speckled quails remained which the Indians + +appropriately call " winter birds," because they wait in the Arctic regions + +until the commencement of the Polar night, but they too were soon to take their + +departure.</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Hobson, therefore, urged on the setting of the traps and snares + +which were to remain in different parts of Cape Bathurst throughout the + +winter.</p> + +<p>These traps consisted merely of rough joists supported on a square, formed of + +three pieces of wood so balanced as to fall on the least touch--in fact, the same + +sort of trap as that used for snaring birds in fields on a large scale. The end + +of the horizontal piece of wood was baited with venison, and every animal of a + +moderate height, a fox or a marten, for instance, which touched it with its paw, + +could not fail to be crushed. Such were the traps set in the winter over a space + +of several miles by the famous hunters whose adventurous life has been so + +poetically described by Cooper. Some thirty of these snares were set round Fort + +Hope, and were to be visited at pretty frequent intervals.</p> + +<p>On the 12th November a new member was born to the little colony. Mrs Mac-Nab + +was safely confined of a fine healthy boy, of whom the head carpenter was + +extremely proud. Mrs Barnett stood god-mother to the child, which received the + +name of Michael Hope. The ceremony of baptism was performed with considerable + +solemnity, and a kind of <i>fete</i> was held in honour of the little creature + +which had just come into the world beyond the 70th degree N. Lat.</p> + +<p>A few days afterwards, on November .20th, the sun sunk below the horizon not + +to appear again for two months. The Polar night had commenced!</p> +<a name="XVIII" id="XVIII"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER XVIII.</h4> + +<h4><i>THE POLAR NIGHT.</i></h4> + +<p>The long night was ushered in by a violent storm. The cold was perhaps a + +little less severe, but the air was very damp, and, in spite of every + +precaution, the humidity penetrated into the house, and the condensers, which + +were emptied every morning, contained several pounds of ice.</p> + +<p>Outside drifts whirled past like waterspouts-the snow seemed no longer to + +fall horizontally but vertically. The Lieutenant was obliged to insist upon the + +door being kept shut, for had it been opened the passages would immediately have + +become blocked up. The explorers were literally prisoners.</p> + +<p>The window shutters were hermetically closed, and the lamps were kept burning + +through the long hours of the sleepless night.</p> + +<p>But although darkness reigned without, the noise of the tempest replaced the + +silence usually so complete in these high latitudes. The roaring of the wind + +between the house and the cliff never ceased for a moment, the house trembled to + +its foundations, and had it not been for the solidity of its construction, must + +have succumbed to the violence of the hurricane. Fortunately the accumulation of + +snow round the walls broke the force of the squall, and Mac-Nabs only fear was + +for the chimneys, which were liable to be blown over. However, they remained + +firm, although they had constantly to be freed from the snow which blocked up + +the openings.</p> + +<p>In the midst of the whistling of the wind, loud reports were heard, of which + +Mrs Barnett could not conjecture the cause. It was the falling of icebergs in + +the offing. The echoes caught up the sounds, which were rolled along like the + +reverberations of thunder. The ground shook as the ice-fields split open, + +crushed by the falling of these mighty mountains, and none but those thoroughly + +inured to the horrors of these wild rugged climates could witness these strange + +phenomena without a shudder. Lieutenant Hobson and his companions were + +accustomed to all these things, and Mrs Barnett and Madge were gradually + +becoming so, and were, besides, not altogether unfamiliar with those terrible + +winds which move at the rate of forty miles an hour, and overturn twenty-four + +pounders. Here, however, the darkness and the snow aggravated the dread might of + +the storm; that which was not crushed was buried and smothered, and, probably + +twelve hours after the commencement of the tempest, house, kennel, shed, and + +enceinte would have disappeared beneath a bed of snow of uniform thickness.</p> + +<p>The time was not wasted during this long imprisonment. All these good people + +agreed together perfectly, and neither ill-humour nor <i>ennui</i> marred the + +contentment of the little party shut up in such a narrow space. They were used + +to life under similar conditions at Forts Enterprise and Reliance, and there was + +nothing to excite Mrs Barnett's surprise in their ready accommodation of + +themselves to circumstances.</p> + +<p>Part of the day was occupied with work, part with reading and games. Garments + +had to be made and mended, arms to be kept bright and in good repair, boots to + +be manufactured, and the daily journal to be issued in which Lieutenant Hobson + +recorded the slightest events of this northern wintering-the weather, the + +temperature, the direction of the wind, the appearance of meteors so frequent in + +the Polar regions, &c., &c. Then the house had to be kept in order, the + +rooms must be swept, and the stores of furs must be visited every day to see if + +they were free from damp; the fires and stoves, too, required constant + +superintendence, and perpetual vigilance was necessary to prevent the + +accumulation of particles of moisture in the corners.</p> + +<p>To each one was assigned a task, the duty of each one was laid down in rules + +fixed up in the large room, so that without being overworked, the occupants of + +the fort were never without something to do. Thomas Black screwed and unscrewed + +his instruments, and looked over his astronomical calculations, remaining almost + +always shut up in his cabin, fretting and fuming at the storm which prevented + +him from making nocturnal observations. The three married women had also plenty + +to see to : Mrs Mac-Nab busied herself with her baby who got on wonderfully, + +whilst Mrs Joliffe, assisted by Mrs Rae, and with the Corporal always at her + +heels, presided in the kitchen.</p> + +<p>When work was done the entire party assembled in the large room, spending the + +whole of Sunday together. Reading was the chief amusement. The Bible and some + +books of travels were the whole library of the fort; but they were all the good + +folks required. Mrs Barnett generally read aloud, and her audience listened with + +delight. The Bible and accounts of adventures received a fresh charm when read + +out in her clear earnest voice; her gestures were so expressive that imaginary + +persons seemed to live when she spoke of them, and all were glad when she took + +up the book. She was, in fact, the life and soul of the little community, eager + +alike to give and receive instruction; she combined the charm and grace of a + +woman with the energy of a man, and she consequently became the idol of the + +rough soldiers, who would have willingly laid down their lives in her service. + +Mrs Barnett shared everything with her companions, never holding herself aloof + +or remaining shut up in her cabin, but working zealously amongst the others, + +drawing out the most reticent by her intelligent questions and warm sympathy. + +Good humour and good health prevailed throughout the little community, and + +neither bands nor tongues were idle.</p> + +<p>The storm, however, showed no signs of abating. The party had now been + +confined to the house for three days, and the snow-drifts were as wild and + +furious as ever. Lieutenant Hobson began to get anxious. It was becoming + +imperatively necessary to renew the air of the rooms, which was too much charged + +with carbonic acid. The light of the lamps began to pale in the unhealthy + +atmosphere, and the air-pumps would not act, the pipes being choked up with ice; + +they were not, in fact, intended to be used when the house was buried in snow. + +It was necessary to take counsel; the Lieutenant and Sergeant Long put their + +heads together, and it was decided on November 23d that, as the wind beat with + +rather less violence on the front of the house, one of the windows at the end of + +the passage on that side should be opened.</p> + +<p>This was no light matter. It was easy enough to open the window from inside, + +but the shutter outside was encrusted over with thick lumps of ice, and resisted + +every effort to move it. It had to be taken off its hinges, and the hard mass of + +snow was then attacked with pickaxe and shovel; it was at least ten feet thick, + +and it was not until a kind of channel bad been scooped out that the outer air + +was admitted.</p> + +<p>Hobson, the Sergeant, several soldiers, and Mrs Barnett herself ventured to + +creep through this tunnel or channel, but not without considerable difficulty, + +for the wind rushed in with fearful fury.</p> + +<p>What a scene was presented by Cape Bathurst and the surrounding plain. It was + +mid-day, and but a few faint twilight rays glimmered upon the southern horizon. + +The cold was not so intense as one would have supposed, and the thermometer + +marked only 15? Fahrenheit above zero; but the snow-drifts whirled along with + +terrific force, and all would inevitably have been thrown to the ground, had not + +the snow in which they were standing up to their waists helped to sustain them + +against the gusts of wind. Everything around them was white, the walls of the + +enceinte, and the whole of the house even to the roof were completely covered + +over, and nothing but a few blue wreaths of smoke would have betrayed the + +existence of a human habitation to a stranger.</p> + +<p>Under the circumstances the " promenade " was soon over; but Mrs Barnett bad + +made good use of her time, and would never forget the awful beauty of the Polar + +regions in a snow-storm, a beauty upon which few women had been privileged to + +look.</p> + +<p>A few moments sufficed to renew the atmosphere of the house, and all + +unhealthy vapours were quickly dispersed by the introduction of a pure and + +refreshing current of air.</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant and his companions hurried in, and the window was again + +closed; but after that the snow before it was removed every day for the sake of + +ventilation.</p> + +<p>The entire week passed in a similar manner; fortunately the rein-deer and + +dogs had plenty of food, so that there was no need to visit them. The eight days + +during which the occupants of the fort were imprisoned so closely, could not + +fail to be somewhat irksome to strong men, soldiers and hunters, accustomed to + +plenty of exercise in the open air; and we must own that listening to reading + +aloud gradually lost its charm, and even cribbage became uninteresting. The last + +thought at night was a hope that the tempest might have ceased in the morning, a + +hope disappointed every day. Fresh snow constantly accumulated upon the windows, + +the wind roared, the icebergs burst with a crash like thunder, the smoke was + +forced back into the rooms, and there were no signs of a diminution of the fury + +of the storm.</p> + +<p>At last, however, on the 28th November the Aneroid barometer in the large + +room gave notice of an approaching change in the state of the atmosphere. It + +rose rapidly, whilst the thermometer outside fell almost suddenly to less than + +four degrees below zero. These were symptoms which could not be mistaken, and on + +the 29th November the silence all around the fort told that the tempest had + +ceased.</p> + +<p>Every one was eager to get out, tine confinement had lasted long enough. The + +door could not be opened, and all had to get through the window, and clear away + +the fresh accumulation of snow; this time, however, it was no soft mass they had + +to remove, but compact blocks of ice, which required pick-axes to break them + +up.</p> + +<p>It took about half-an-hour to clear a passage, and then every one in the + +fort, except Mrs Mac-Nab, who was not yet up, hastened into the interior court, + +glad once more to be able to walk about.</p> + +<p>The cold was still intense, but the wind having gone down it was possible to + +endure it, although great care was necessary to escape serious consequences on + +leaving the heated rooms for the open air, the difference between the + +temperature inside and outside being some fifty-four degrees.</p> + +<p>It was eight o'clock in the morning. Myriads of brilliant constellations + +studded the sky, and at the zenith shone the Pole star. Although in both + +hemispheres there are in reality but 5000 fixed stars visible to the naked eye, + +their number appeared to the observers incalculable. Exclamations of admiration + +burst involuntarily from the lips of the delighted astronomer as he gazed into + +the cloudless heavens, once more undimmed by mists or vapours. Never had a more + +beautiful sky been spread out before the eyes of an astronomer.</p> + +<p>Whilst Thomas Black was raving in ecstasy, dead to all terrestrial matters, + +his companions had wandered as far as the enceinte. The snow was as hard as a + +rock, And so slippery that there were a good many tumbles, but no serious + +injuries.</p> + +<p>It is needless to state that the court of the fort was completely filled up. + +The roof of the house alone appeared above the white mass, the surface of which + +had been worn smooth by the action of the wind; of the palisade nothing was + +visible but the top of the stakes, and the least nimble of the wild animals they + +dreaded could easily have climbed over them. But what was to be done? It was no + +use to think of clearing away a mass of frozen snow ten feet thick, extending + +over so large an extent of ground. All they could attempt would be to dig away + +the ice inside the enceinte, so as to form a kind of moat, the counterscarp of + +which would protect the palisade. But alas the winter was only beginning, and a + +fresh tempest might at any time fill in the ditch a few hours.</p> + +<p>Whilst the Lieutenant was examining the works, which could no more protect + +his fort than a single sunbeam could melt the solid layer of snow,-Mrs Joliffe + +suddenly exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"And our dogs! our reindeer!"</p> + +<p>It was indeed time to think about the poor animals. The dog house and stable + +being lower than the house were probably entirely covered, and the supply of air + +had perhaps been completely cut off. Some hurried to the dog-house, others to + +the reindeer stable, and all fears were quickly dispelled. The wall of ice, + +which connected the northern corner of the house with the cliff, had partly + +protected the two buildings, and the snow round them was not more than four feet + +thick, so that the apertures left in the walls had not been closed up. The + +animals were all well, and when the door was opened, the dogs rushed out barking + +with delight.</p> + +<p>The cold was so intense, that after an hour's walk every one began to think + +of the glowing stove in the large room at home. There was nothing left to be + +done outside, the traps buried beneath ten feet of snow could not be visited, so + +all returned to the house, the window, was closed, and the party sat down to the + +dinner awaiting them with sharpened appetites.</p> + +<p>We can readily imagine that the conversation turned on the intensity of the + +cold, which had so rapidly converted the soft snow into a solid mass. It was no + +light matter, and might to a certain extent compromise the safety of the little + +colony.</p> + +<p>"But, Lieutenant," said Mrs Barnett, "can we not count upon a few days' + +thaw-will not all this snow be rapidly converted into water?"</p> + +<p>"Oh no, madam," replied Hobson, "a thaw at this time of year is not at all + +likely. Indeed I expect the thermometer will fall still lower, and it is very + +much to be regretted that we were unable to remove the snow when it was + +soft."</p> + +<p>What, you think the temperature likely to become much colder?"</p> + +<p>"I do most certainly, madam, 4? below zero-what is that at this + +latitude?"</p> + +<p>"What would it be if we were at the Pole itself?"</p> + +<p>"The Pole, madam, is probably not the coldest point of the globe, for most + +navigators agree that the sea is there open. From certain peculiarities of its + +geographical position it would appear that a certain spot on the shores of North + +Georgia, 95? longitude and 78? latitude, has the coldest mean temperature in the + +world: 2? below zero all the year round. It is, therefore, called the 'pole of + +cold.' "</p> + +<p>"But," said Mrs Barnett, "we are more than 8? further south than that famous + +point."</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't suppose we shall suffer as much at Cape Bathurst as we might + +have done in North Georgia. I only tell you of the 'pole of cold,' that you may + +not confound it with the Pole properly so-called when the lowness of the + +temperature is discussed. Great cold has besides been experienced on other + +points of the globe. The difference is, that the low temperature is not there + +maintained."</p> + +<p>"To what places do you allude?" inquired Mrs Barnett; "I assure you I take + +the greatest interest in this matter of degrees of cold."</p> + +<p>"As far as I can remember, madam," replied the Lieutenant, Arctic explorers + +state that at Melville Island the temperature fell to 61? below zero, and at + +Port Felix to 65?."</p> + +<p>"But Melville Island and Port Felix are some degrees farther north latitude + +than Cape Bathurst, are they not?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, madam, but in a certain sense we may say that their latitude proves + +nothing. A combination of different atmospheric conditions is requisite to + +produce intense cold. Local and other causes largely modify climate. If I + +remember rightly in 1845 . . . Sergeant Long, you were at Fort Reliance at that + +date?</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," replied Long.</p> + +<p>"Well, was it not in January of that year that the cold was so + +excessive?"</p> + +<p>"Yes it was, I remember only too well that the thermometer marked 70? below + +zero."</p> + +<p>"What!" exclaimed Mrs Barnett, "at Fort Reliance, on the Great Slave + +Lake?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, madam," replied the Lieutenant, "and that was at 65? north latitude + +only, which is the same parallel as that of Christiania and St Petersburg."</p> + +<p>"Then we must be prepared for everything."</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed, we must when we winter in Arctic countries."</p> + +<p>During the 29th and 30th November, the cold did not decrease, and it was + +necessary to keep up huge fires to prevent the freezing in all the corners of + +the house of the moisture in the atmosphere. Fortunately there was plenty of + +fuel, and it was not spared. A mean temperature of 52? Fahrenheit was maintained + +indoors in spite of the intensity of the cold without.</p> + +<p>Thomas Black was so anxious to take stellar observations, now that the sky + +was so clear, that he braved the rigour of the outside temperature, hoping to be + +able to examine some of the magnificent constellations twinkling on the zenith. + +But he was compelled to desist-his instruments "burnt" his hands! "Burnt" is the + +only word to express the sensation produced by touching a metallic body + +subjected to the influence of intense cold. Exactly similar results are produced + +by the sudden introduction of heat into an animate body, and the sudden + +withdrawal of the same from it, as the astronomer found to his cost when he left + +the skin of his fingers on his instruments. He had to give up taking + +observations.</p> + +<p>However, the heavens made him the best amends in their power by displaying + +the most beautiful and indescribable phenomena of a lunar halo and an Aurora + +Borealis.</p> + +<p>The lunar halo was a white corona with a pale red edge encircling the moon. + +This luminous meteor was about forty-five degrees in diameter, and was the + +result of the diffraction of the lunar rays through the small prismatic + +ice-crystals floating in the atmosphere. The queen of the night shone with + +renewed splendour and heightened beauty from the centre of the luminous ring, + +the colour and consistency of which resembled the milky transparent lunar + +rainbows which have been so often described by astronomers.</p> + +<p>Fifteen hours later the heavens were lit up by a magnificent Aurora Borealis, + +the arch of which extended over more than a hundred geographical degrees. The + +vertex of this arch was situated in the magnetic meridian, and, as is often the + +case, the rays darted by the luminous meteor were of all the colours of the + +rainbow, red predominating. Here and there. the stars seemed to be floating in + +blood. Glowing lines of throbbing colour spread from the dark segment on the + +horizon, some of them passing the zenith and quenching the light of the moon in + +their electric waves, which oscillated and trembled as if swept by a current of + +air.</p> + +<p>No description could give an adequate idea of the glory which flushed the + +northern sky, converting it into a vast dome of fire, but after the magnificent + +spectacle had been enjoyed for about half an hour, it suddenly disappeared-not + +fading gradually away after concentration of its rays, or a diminution of its + +splendour, but dying abruptly, as if an invisible hand had cut off the supply of + +electricity which gave it life.</p> + +<p>It was time it was over, for the sake of Thomas Black, for in another five + +minutes he would have been frozen where he stood !</p> +<a name="XIX" id="XIX"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER XIX.</h4> + +<h4><i>A NEIGHBOURLY VISIT.</i></h4> + +<p>On the 2nd December; the intensity of the cold decreased. The phenomena of + +the lunar halo and Aurora Borealis were symptoms which a meteorologist would + +have been at no loss to interpret. They implied the existence of a certain + +quantity of watery vapour in the atmosphere, and the barometer fell slightly, + +whilst the thermometer rose to 15? above zero.</p> + +<p>Although this temperature would have seemed very cold to the inhabitants of a + +temperate zone, it was easily endured by the colonists. The absence of wind made + +a great difference, and Hobson having noticed that the upper layers of snow were + +becoming softer, ordered his men to clear it away from the outer approaches of + +the enceinte. Mac-Nab and his subordinates set to work zealously, and completed + +their task in a few days. The traps were now uncovered and re-set. A good many + +footprints showed that there were plenty of furred animals about the cape, and + +as they could not get any other food, it was probable that the bait in the + +snares would soon attract them. In accordance with the advice of Marbre the + +hunter, a reindeer trap was constructed in the Esquimaux style. A trench was + +dug twelve feet deep, and of a uniform width of ten feet. A see-saw plank, which + +would rebound when lowered, was laid across it. A bait of herbs was placed at + +one end of the plank, and any animal venturing to take them, was inevitably + +flung to the bottom of the pit, and the plank immediately returning to its + +former position, would allow of the trapping of another animal in the same + +manner. Once in, there was no getting out. The only difficulty Marbre had to + +contend with in making his trap, was the extreme hardness of the ground to be + +dug out, but both he and the Lieutenant were not a little surprised at finding + +beneath some five feet of earth and sand a bed of snow, as hard as a rock, which + +appeared to be very thick.</p> + +<p>After closely examining the geological structure of the ground, Hobson + +observed:</p> + +<p>"This part of the coast must have been subjected to intense cold for a + +considerable length of time a great many years ago. Probably the ice rests on a + +bed of granite, and the earth and sand upon it have accumulated gradually."</p> + +<p>"Well, sir, our trap won't be any the worse for that, the reindeer will find + +a slippery wall, which it will be impossible for them to climb."</p> + +<p>Marbre was right, as the event proved.</p> + +<p>On the 5th September, he and Sabine were on their way to the trench, when + +they heard loud growls. They stood still and listened.</p> + +<p>"It's no reindeer making that noise, "said Marbre, "I know well enough what + +creature has fallen into our pit."</p> + +<p>"A bear?" replied Sabine.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Marbre, whose eyes glistened with delight.</p> + +<p>"Well," remarked Sabine, "we won't grumble at that, bears' steaks are as good + +as reindeers', and we get the fur in! Come along."</p> + +<p>The two hunters were armed. They quickly slipped balls into their guns, which + +were already loaded with lead, and hurried to the trap. The see-saw plank had + +swung back into its place, but the bait had disappeared, having probably been + +dragged down, into the trench. The growls became louder and fiercer, and looking + +down the hunters saw that it was indeed a bear they had taken. A huge mass was + +huddled together in one corner of the pit, looking in the gloom like a pile of + +white fur with two glittering eyes. The sides of the trench had been ploughed up + +by the creature's sharp claws, and had they been made of earth instead of ice, + +it would certainly have managed to scramble out, but it could get no hold on the + +slippery surface, and it had only managed to enlarge its prison, not to escape + +from it.</p> + +<p>Under the circumstances the capture was easy. Two balls carefully aimed put + +an end to the bear's life, and the next thing to do was to get it out of the + +pit. The two hunters returned to the fort for reinforcements, and ten of the + +soldiers, provided with ropes, returned with them. It was not without + +considerable difficulty that the body was hauled up. It was a huge creature, six + +feet long, weighing six hundred pounds, and must have possessed immense + +strength. It belonged to the sub-order of white bears, and had the flattened + +head, long neck, short and slightly curved claws, narrow muzzle, and smooth + +white fur characteristic of the species. The edible portions of this valuable + +animal were confided to Mrs Joliffe, and by her carefully prepared for the + +table.</p> + +<p>The next week the traps were in full activity. Some twenty martens were + +taken, in all the beauty of their winter clothing, but only two or three foxes. + +These cunning creatures divined the snare laid for them, and scratching up the + +ground near the trap, they often managed to run off with the bait without being + +caught. This made Sabine beside himself with rage "for," he said, "such a + +subterfuge was unworthy of a respectable fox."</p> + +<p>About the 10th December, the wind having veered round to the south-west, the + +snow again began to fall, but not in thick flakes, or in large quantities. The + +wind being high, however, the cold was severely felt, and it was necessary to + +settle in-doors again, and resume domestic occupations. Hobson distributed lime + +lozenges and lime juice to every one as a precaution against the scorbutic + +affections, which damp cold produces. No symptoms of scurvy had fortunately as + +yet appeared amongst the occupants of the fort, thanks to the sanitary + +precautions taken.</p> + +<p>The winter solstice was now approaching, when the darkness of the Polar night + +would be most profound, as the sun would be at the lowest maximum point below + +the horizon of the northern hemisphere. At midnight the southern edges of the + +long white plains were touched with a faint glimmer of twilight, that was all, + +and it would be impossible to imagine anything more melancholy than the gloomy + +stillness and darkness of the vast expanse.</p> + +<p>Hobson felt more secure from the attacks of wild beasts, now that the + +approaches to the enceinte had been cleared of snow, which was a fortunate + +circumstance, as ominous growlings were heard, the nature of which no one could + +mistake.</p> + +<p>There was no fear of visits from Indian hunters or Canadians at this time of + +year, but an incident occurred proving that these districts were not altogether + +depopulated even in the winter, and which was quite an episode in the long + +dreary dark months. Some human beings still lingered on the coast hunting morses + +and camping under the snow. They belonged to the race of Esquimaux, "or eaters + +of raw flesh," which is scattered over the continent of North America, from + +Baffin's Bay to Behring Strait, seldom, however, advancing farther south than + +the Great Slave Lake.</p> + +<p>On the morning of the 14th December, or rather nine hours before midday, + +Sergeant Long, on his return from an excursion along the coast, ended his report + +to the Lieutenant by saying, that if his eyes had not deceived him, a tribe of + +nomads were encamped about four miles from the fort, near a little cape jutting + +out from the coast.</p> + +<p>"What do you suppose these nomads are?" inquired Hobson.</p> + +<p>"Either men or morses," replied the Sergeant. "There's no medium!"</p> + +<p>The brave Sergeant would have been considerably surprised if any one had told + +him that some naturalists admit the existence of the " medium," the idea of + +which he scouted; and certain savants have with some humour classed the + +Esquimaux as an " intermediate species " between roan and the sea-cow.</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Hobson, Mrs Barnett, Madge, and a few others at once went to + +ascertain the truth of the report. Well wrapt up, and on their guard against a + +sudden chill, their feet cased in furred boots, and guns and hatchets in their + +hands, they issued from the postern, and made their way over the frozen snow + +along the coast, strewn with masses of ice.</p> + +<p>The moon, already in the last quarter, shed a few faint rays through the + +mists which shrouded the ice-fields. After marching for about an hour, the + +Lieutenant began to think that the Sergeant had been mistaken, and that what he + +had seen were morses, who had returned to their native element through the holes + +in the ice which they always keep open.</p> + +<p>But Long, pointing to a grey wreath of smoke curling out of a conical + +protuberance on the ice-field some hundred steps off, contented himself with + +observing quietly-</p> + +<p>"The morses are smoking, then !"</p> + +<p>As he spoke some living creatures came out of the but dragging themselves + +along the snow. They were Esquimaux, but whether male or female none but a + +native could have said, for their costumes were all exactly alike.</p> + +<p>Indeed, without in the least sharing the opinion of the naturalist quoted + +above, any one might have taken the rough shaggy figures for seals or some other + +amphibious animals. There were six of them-four full-grown, and two children. + +Although very short, they were broad-chested and muscular. They had the flat + +noses, long eye-lashes, large mouths, thick lips, long black coarse hair, and + +beardless chins of their race. Their costume consisted of a round coat made of + +the skin of the walrus, a hood, boots, trousers, and mittens of the same + +material. They gazed at the Europeans in silence.</p> + +<p>"Does any one understand Esquimaux?" inquired the Lieutenant.</p> + +<p>No one was acquainted with that idiom, and every one started when a voice + +immediately exclaimed in English, "Welcome! welcome !"</p> + +<p>It was an Esquimaux, and, as they learned later, a woman, who, approaching + +Mrs Barnett, held out her hand.</p> + +<p>The lady, much surprised, replied in a few words, which the native girl + +readily understood, and the whole family was invited to follow the Europeans to + +the fort.</p> + +<p>The Esquimaux looked searchingly at the strangers, and after a few moments' + +hesitation they accompanied the Lieutenant, keeping close together, however:</p> + +<p>Arrived at the enceinte, the native woman, seeing the house, of the existence + +of which she had had no idea, exclaimed-</p> + +<p>"House! snow-house!"</p> + +<p>She asked if it were made of snow, which was a natural question enough, for + +the house was all but hidden beneath the white mass which covered the ground. + +She was made to understand that it was built of wood; she then turned and said a + +few words to her companions, who made signs of acquiescence, and they all passed + +through the postern, and were taken to the large room in the chief building.</p> + +<p>They removed their hoods, and it became possible to distinguish sexes. There + +were two men, about forty or fifty years old, with yellowish-red complexions, + +sharp teeth, and projecting cheek-bones, which gave them something of the + +appearance of carnivorous animals; two women, still young whose matted hair was + +adorned with the teeth and claws of Polar bears; and two children, about five or + +six years old, poor little creatures with intelligent faces, who looked about + +them with wide wondering eyes.</p> + +<p>"I believe the Esquimaux are always hungry," said Hobson, "so I don't suppose + +our guests would object to a slice of venison."</p> + +<p>In obedience to the Lieutenant's order, Joliffe brought some + +reindeer-venison, which the poor creatures devoured with greedy avidity; but the + +young woman who had answered in English behaved with greater refinement, and + +watched Mrs Barnett and the women of the fort without once removing her eyes + +from them. Presently noticing the baby in Mrs Mac-Nabs arms; she rose and ran up + +to it, speaking to it in a soft voice, and caressing it tenderly.</p> + +<p>Indeed if not exactly superior, the young girl was certainly more civilised + +than her companions, which was especially noticeable when, being attacked by a + +slight fit of coughing, she put her hand before her mouth in the manner enjoined + +by the first rules of civilised society.</p> + +<p>This significant gesture did not escape any one, and Mrs Barnett, who chatted + +for some time with the Esquimaux woman, learned from her in a few short + +sentences that she had been for a year in the service of the Danish governor of + +Upper Navik, whose wife was English, and that she had left Greenland to follow + +her family to the hunting grounds. The two men were her brothers; the other + +woman was her sister-in-law, married to one of the men, and mother of the two + +children. They were all returning from Melbourne Island, on the eastern coast of + +English America, and were making for Point Barrow, on the western coast of + +Russian America, the home of their tribe, and- were considerably astonished to + +find a factory established on Cape Bathurst. Indeed the two men shook their + +heads when they spoke of it. Did they disapprove of the construction of a fort + +at this particular point of the coast? Did they think the situation ill-chosen? + +In spite of all his endeavours, Hobson could get no satisfactory reply to these + +questions, or rather he could not understand the answers he received.</p> + +<p>The name of the young girl was Kalumah, and she seemed to have taken a great + +fancy to Mrs Barnett. But sociable as she was, she appeared to feel no regret at + +having left the governor of Upper Navik, and to be sincerely attached to her + +relations.</p> + +<p>After refreshing themselves with the reindeer-venison, and drinking + +half-a-pint of rum, in which the children had their share, the Esquimaux took + +leave of their hosts; but before saying goodbye, the young girl invited Mrs + +Barnett to visit their snow-hut, and the lady promised to do so the next day, + +weather permitting.</p> + +<p>The next day was fine, and accompanied by Madge, Lieutenant Hobson, and a few + +soldiers, well armed in case any bears should be prowling about, Mrs Barnett set + +out for " Cape Esquimaux," as they had named the spot where the little colony + +had encamped.</p> + +<p>Kalumah hastened forward to meet her friend of yesterday, and pointed to the + +but with an, air of pride. It was a large cone of snow, with an opening in the + +summit, through which the smoke from the fire inside made its way. These + +snow-houses, called <i>igloos</i> in the language of the Esquimaux, are + +constructed with great rapidity, and are admirably suited to the climate. In + +them their owners can endure a temperature 40? below zero, without fires, and + +without suffering much. In the summer the Esquimaux encamp in tents made of seal + +and reindeer skins, which are called <i>tupics</i>.</p> + +<p>It was no easy matter to get into this hut. The only opening was a hole close + +to the ground, and it was necessary to creep through a kind of passage three or + +four feet long, which is about the thickness of the walls of these snow-houses. + +But a traveller by profession, a <i>laureate</i> of the Royal Society, could not + +hesitate, and Mrs Paulina Barnett did not hesitate! Followed by Madge, she + +bravely entered the narrow tunnel in imitation of her guide. Lieutenant Hobson + +and his men dispensed with paying their respects inside.</p> + +<p>And Mrs Barnett soon discovered that the chief difficulty was not getting + +into the but, but remaining in it when there. The room was heated by a fire, on + +which the bones of morses were burning; and the air was full of the smell of the + +fetid oil of a lamp, of greasy garments, and the flesh of the amphibious animals + +which form the chief article of an Esquimaux's diet. It was suffocating and + +sickening! Madge could not stand it, and hurried out at once, but Mrs Barnett, + +rather than hurt the feelings of the young native, showed superhuman courage, + +and extended her visit over five long minutes!-five centuries! The two children + +and their mother were at home, but the men had gone to hunt morses four or five + +miles from their camp.</p> + +<p>Once out of the hut, Mrs Barnett drew a long sigh of relief, and the colour + +returned to her blanched cheeks.</p> + +<p>"Well, madam," inquired the Lieutenant, "what do you think of Esquimaux + +houses?"</p> + +<p>"The ventilation leaves something to be desired !" she replied simply.</p> + +<p>The interesting native family remained encamped near Cape Esquimaux for eight + +days. The men passed twelve hours out of every twenty-four hunting morses. With + +a patience which none but sportsmen could understand, they would watch for the + +amphibious animals near the holes through which they come up to the surface of + +the ice-field to breathe. When the morse appears, a rope with a running noose is + +flung round its body a little below the head, and it is dragged on to the + +ice-field, often with considerable difficulty, and killed with hatchets. It is + +really more like fishing than hunting. It is considered a great treat to drink + +the warm blood of the walrus, and the Esquimaux often indulge in it to + +excess.</p> + +<p>Kalumah came to the fort every day in spite of the severity of the weather. + +She was never tired of going through the different rooms, and watching Mrs + +Joliffe at her cooking or sewing. She asked the English name of everything, and + +talked for hours together with Mrs Barnett, if the term "talking" can be applied + +to an exchange of words after long deliberation on both sides. When Mrs Barnett + +read aloud, Kalumah listened with great attention, although she probably + +understood nothing of what she heard.</p> + +<p>The young native girl had a sweet voice, and sometimes sang some strange + +melancholy rhythmical songs with a peculiar metre, and, if we may so express it, + +a frosty ring about them, peculiarly characteristic of their origin.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett had the patience to translate one of these Greenland sagas, which + +was sung to a sad air, interspersed with long pauses, and filled with strange + +intervals, which produced an indescribable effect. We give an English rendering + +of Mrs Barnett's translation, which may give a faint idea of this strange + +hyperborean poetry.</p> + +<blockquote> GREENLAND SONG</blockquote> + +<blockquote>Dark Is the sky,<br>The sun sinks wearily;<br>My trembling heart, + + with sorrow filled,<br>Aches drearily !<br>My sweet child at my songs is + + smiling still,<br>While at his tender heart the icicles lie chill.<br>Child of + + my dreams I<br>Thy love doth cheer me;<br>The cruel biting frost I + + brave<br>But to be near thee!<br>Ah me, Ah me, could these hot tears of + + mine<br>But melt the icicles around that heart of thine!<br>Could we once + + more<br>Meet heart to heart,<br>Thy little hands close clasped in mine,<br>No + + more to part.<br>Then on thy chill heart rays from heaven above<br>Should + + fall, and softly melt it with the warmth of love!</blockquote> + +<p>On the 20th December the Esquimaux family came to take leave of the occupants + +of the fort. Kalumah was sorry to part with Mrs Barnett, who would gladly have + +retained her in her service, but the young native could not be persuaded to + +leave her own people; she promised, however, to return to Fort Hope in the + +summer.</p> + +<p>Her farewell was touching. She presented Mrs Barnett with a copper ring, and + +received in exchange a necklace of black beads, which she immediately put on. + +Hobson gave the poor people a good stock of provisions, which they packed in + +their sledge; and after a few words of grateful acknowledgment from Kalumah, the + +whole party set out towards the west, quickly disappearing in the thick fogs on + +the shore.</p> +<a name="XX" id="XX"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER XX.</h4> + +<h4><i>MERCURY FREEZES.</i></h4> + +<p>A few days of dry calm weather favoured the operations of the hunters, but + +they did not venture far from the fort; the abundance of game rendered it + +unnecessary to do so, and Lieutenant Hobson could justly congratulate himself on + +having chosen so favourable a situation for the new settlement. A great number + +of furred animals of all kinds were taken in the traps, and Sabine and Marbre + +killed a good many Polar hares. Some twenty starving wolves were shot. Hunger + +rendered the latter animals aggressive, and bands of them gathered about the + +fort, filling the air with hoarse howls, and amongst the " hummocks " on the + +ice-fields sometimes prowled huge bears, whose movements were watched with great + +interest.</p> + +<p>On the 25th December all excursions had again to be given up. The wind veered + +suddenly to the north, and the cold became exceedingly severe. It was impossible + +to remain out of doors without being frost-bitten. The Fahrenheit thermometer + +fell to 18? below zero, and the gale roared like a volley of musketry. Hobson + +took care to provide the animals with food enough to last several weeks.</p> + +<p>Christmas Day, the day of home-gatherings so dear to the heart of all + +Englishmen, was kept with due solemnity. The colonists returned thanks to God + +for preserving them through so many perils; and the workmen, who had a holiday + +in honour of the day, afterwards assembled with their masters and the ladies + +round a well-filled board, on which figured two huge Christmas puddings.</p> + +<p>In the evening a huge bowl of punch flamed in the centre of the table; the + +lamps were put out, and for a time the room was lighted only by the livid flames + +of the spirit, the familiar objects assuming strange fantastic forms. The + +spirits of the soldiers rose as they watched the flickering illumination, and + +their excitement was not lessened after imbibing some of the burning liquid.</p> + +<p>But now the flames began to pale; bluish tongues still fitfully licked the + +plump sides of the national pudding for a few minutes, and then died away.</p> + +<p>Strange to say, although the lamps had not been relit, the room did not + +become dark on the extinction of the flames. A bright red light was streaming + +through the window, which had passed unnoticed in the previous illumination.</p> + +<p>The revellers started to their feet, and looked at each other in + +astonishment.</p> + +<p>"A fire !" cried several.</p> + +<p>But unless the house itself were burning, there could not be a fire anywhere + +near Cape Bathurst.</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant rushed to the window, and at once understood the cause of the + +phenomenon. It was an eruption.</p> + +<p>Indeed, above the western cliffs beyond Walruses' Bay the horizon was on + +fire. The summits of the igneous hills, some miles from Cape Bathurst, could not + +be seen; but the sheaf of flame shot up to a considerable height, lighting up + +the whole country in a weird, unearthly manner.</p> + +<p>"It is more beautiful than the Aurora Borealis!" exclaimed Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>Thomas Black indignantly protested against this assertion. A terrestrial + +phenomenon more beautiful than a meteor! But no one was disposed to argue with + +him about it, for all hurried out, in spite of the bitter gale and biting cold, + +to watch the glorious spectacle of the flashing sheaf of flames standing out + +against the black background of the night sky.</p> + +<p>Had not the mouths and ears of the party been cased in furs, they would have + +been able to hear the rumbling noise of the eruption, and to tell each other of + +the impressions made upon them by this magnificent sight; but, as it was, they + +could neither speak nor hear. They might well be content, however, with gazing + +upon such a glorious scene-a scene which once looked upon could never be + +forgotten. The glowing sheets of flames contrasted alike with the gloomy + +darkness of the heavens and the dazzling whiteness of the far-stretching carpet + +of snow, and produced effects of light and shade which no pen or pencil could + +adequately portray. The throbbing reverberations spread beyond the zenith, + +gradually quenching the light of all the stars. The white ground became dashed + +with golden tints, the hummocks on the ice-field and the huge icebergs in the + +background reflecting the glimmering colours like so many glowing mirrors. The + +rays of light, striking on the edges or surfaces of the ice, became bent and + +diffracted; the angles and varying inclinations on which they fell fretting them + +into fringes of colour, and reflecting them back with changed and heightened + +beauty. It was like a fairy scene in which ice and snow combined to add + +<i>eclat</i> to a <i>melee</i> of rays in which luminous waves rushed upon + +each other, breaking into coloured ripples.</p> + +<p>But the excessive cold soon drove the admiring spectators back to their warm + +dwelling, and many a nose paid dearly for the feast enjoyed by the eyes.</p> + +<p>During the following days the cold became doubly severe. The mercurial + +thermometer was of course no longer of any use for marking degrees, and an + +alcohol thermometer had to be used. On the night of the 28th to the 29th + +December the column fell to 32? below zero.</p> + +<p>The stoves were piled up with fuel, but the temperature in the house could + +not be maintained above 20? degrees. The bedrooms were exceedingly cold, and ten + +feet from the stove, in the large room, its heat could not be felt at all. The + +little baby had the warmest corner, and its cradle was rocked in turn by those + +who came to the fire. Opening doors or windows was strictly forbidden, as the + +vapour in the rooms would immediately have been converted into snow, and in the + +passage the breathing of the inmates already produced that result. Every now and + +then dull reports were heard, which startled those unaccustomed to living in + +such high latitudes. They were caused by the cracking of the trunks of trees, of + +which the walls were composed under the influence of the intense cold. The stock + +of rum and gin stowed away in the garret had to be brought down into the + +sitting-room, as the alcohol was freezing and sinking to the bottom of the + +bottles. The spruce-beer made from a decoction of young fir-branchlets burst the + +barrels in which it was kept as it froze, whilst all solid bodies resisted the + +introduction of heat as if they were petrified. Wood burnt very slowly, and + +Hobson was obliged to sacrifice some of the walrus-oil to quicken its + +combustion. Fortunately the chimneys drew well, so that there was no + +disagreeable smell inside, although for a long distance outside the air was + +impregnated with the fetid odour of the smoke from Fort Hope, which a casual + +observer might therefore have pronounced an unhealthy building.</p> + +<p>One symptom we must notice was the great thirst from which every one + +suffered. To relieve it, different liquids had to be melted at the fire, for it- + +would have been dangerous to eat ice. Another effect of the cold was intense + +drowsiness, which Hobson earnestly entreated his companions to resist. Some + +appeared unable to do so; but Mrs Barnett was invaluable in setting an example + +of constant activity: always brave, she kept herself awake, and encouraged + +others by her kindness, brightness, and sympathy. Sometimes she read aloud + +accounts of travels, or sang some old familiar English song, in the chorus of + +which all joined. These joyous strains roused up the sleepers whether they would + +or no, and their voices soon swelled the chorus. The long days of imprisonment + +passed wearily by, and the Lieutenant, consulting the outside thermometer + +through the windows, announced that the cold was still on the increase. On the + +31st December, the mercury was all frozen hard in the cistern of the + +instrument, so that the temperature was 44? below freezing point.</p> + +<p>The next day, 1st January 1860, Lieutenant Hobson wished Mrs Barnett a happy + +new year, and complimented her on the courage and good temper with which she + +endured the miseries of this northern winter. The astronomer was not forgotten + +in the universal interchange of good wishes amongst the members of the little + +colony; but his only thought on entering another year was, that it was the + +beginning of that in which the great eclipse was to take place. Fortunately the + +general health still remained good, and any symptoms of scurvy were promptly + +checked by the use of lime-juice and lime-lozenges.</p> + +<p>It would not do, however, to rejoice too soon. The winter had still to last + +three months. The sun would doubtless reappear above the horizon in due time; + +but there was no reason to think that the cold had reached its maximum + +intensity, especially as in most northern countries February is the month during + +which the temperature falls lowest. However that might be, there was no decrease + +in the severity of the weather during the first days of the new year, and on the + +8th January the alcohol thermometer placed outside the window of the passage + +marked 66? below zero. A few degrees more and the minimum temperature at Fort + +Reliance in 1835 would be reached!</p> + +<p>Jaspar Hobson grew more and more uneasy at the continued severity of the + +cold. He began to fear that the furred animals would have to seek a less + +rigorous climate further south, which would of course thwart all his plans for + +hunting in the early spring. Moreover, he sometimes heard subterranean + +rumblings, which were evidently connected with the volcanic eruption. The + +western horizon still glowed with the reflection of the burning lava, and it was + +evident that some great convulsion was going on in the bowels of the earth. + +Might not the close vicinity of an active volcano be dangerous to the new fort ? + +Such was the question which the subterranean rumblings forced upon the mind of + +the Lieutenant, but he kept his vague apprehensions to himself.</p> + +<p>Of course under these circumstances no one dreamt of leaving the house. The + +animals were well provided for, and being accustomed to long fasts in the + +winter, required no attention from their masters, so that there really was no + +necessity for any exposure out of doors. It was difficult enough to endure the + +inside temperature, even with the help of a plentiful combustion of wood and + +oil; for, in spite of every precaution, damp crept into the ill-ventilated + +rooms, and layers of ice, increasing in thickness every day, were formed upon + +the beams. The condensers were choked up, and one of them burst from the + +pressure of the ice.</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Hobson did not spare his fuel; he was, in fact, rather lavish of + +it in his anxiety to raise the temperature, which, when the fires got low-as of + +course sometimes happened-fell to 15? Fahrenheit. The men on guard, who relieved + +each other every hour, had strict orders to keep up the fires, and great was the + +dismay of the Lieutenant when Sergeant Long said to him one day-</p> + +<p>"We shall be out of wood soon !"</p> + +<p>"Out of wood !" exclaimed Hobson.</p> + +<p>"I mean our stock is getting low, and we must lay in fresh stores soon. Of + +course I know, though, that it will be at the risk of his life that any one goes + +out in this cold !"</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Hobson. "It was a mistake not to build the wooden shed close + +to the house, and to make no direct communication with it. I see that now it is + +too late. I ought not to have forgotten that we were going to winter beyond the + +seventieth parallel. But what's done can't be undone. How long will the wood + +last?"</p> + +<p>"There is enough to feed the furnace and stove for another two or three + +days," replied the Sergeant.</p> + +<p>"Let us hope by that time that the severity of the cold may have decreased, + +and that we may venture across the court of the fort without danger."</p> + +<p>"I doubt it, sir," replied Long, shaking his head. "The atmosphere is very + +clear, the wind is still in the north, and I shall not be surprised if this + +temperature is maintained. for another fifteen days-until the new moon, in + +fact."</p> + +<p>"Well, my brave fellow," said the Lieutenant, "we won't die of cold if we can + +help it, and the day we have to brave the outside air "</p> + +<p>"We will brave it, sir," said Long.</p> + +<p>Hobson pressed his subordinate's hand, well knowing the poor fellow's + +devotion.</p> + +<p>We might fancy that Hobson and the Sergeant were exaggerating when they + +alluded to fatal results from sudden exposure to the open air, but they spoke + +from experience, gained from long residence in the rigorous Polar regions. They + +had seen strong men fall fainting on the ice under similar circumstances; their + +breath failed them, and they were taken up in a state of suffocation. Incredible + +as such facts may appear, they have been of frequent occurrence amongst those + +who have wintered in the extreme north. In their journey along the shores of + +Hudson's Bay in 1746, Moor and Smith saw many incidents of this kind,-some of + +their companions were killed, struck down by the cold, and there can be no doubt + +that sudden death may result from braving a temperature in which mercury + +freezes.</p> + +<p>Such was the distressing state of things at Fort Hope, when a new danger + +arose to aggravate the sufferings of the colonists.</p> +<a name="XXI" id="XXI"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER XXI.</h4> + +<h4><i>THE LARGE POLAR BEARS.</i></h4> + +<p>The only one of the four windows through which it was possible to look into + +the court of the fort was that opening at the end of the entrance passage. The + +outside shutters had not been closed; but before it could be seen through it had + +to be washed with boiling water, as the panes were covered with a thick coating + +of ice. This was done several times a day by the Lieutenant's orders, when the + +districts surrounding the fort were carefully examined, and the state of the + +sky, and of the alcohol thermometer placed outside, were accurately noted.</p> + +<p>On the 6th January, towards eleven o'clock in the morning, Kellet, whose turn + +it was to look out, suddenly called the Sergeant, and pointed to some moving + +masses indistinctly visible in the gloom. Long, approaching the window observed + +quietly-</p> + +<p>"They are bears!"</p> + +<p>In fact half-a-dozen of these formidable animals had succeeded in getting + +over the palisades, and, attracted by the smoke from the chimneys, were + +advancing upon the house.</p> + +<p>On hearing of the approach of the bears, Hobson at once ordered the window of + +the passage to be barricaded inside; it was the only unprotected opening in the + +house, and when it was secured it appeared impossible for the bears to effect an + +entrance. The window was, therefore, quickly closed up with bars, which the + +carpenter Mac-Nab wedged firmly in, leaving a narrow slit through which to watch + +the movements of the unwelcome visitors.</p> + +<p>"Now," observed the head carpenter, "these gentlemen can't get in without our + +permission, and we have time to hold a council of war."</p> + +<p>"Well, Lieutenant," exclaimed Mrs Barnett, "nothing has been wanting to our + +northern winter! After the cold come the bears."</p> + +<p>"Not after," replied the Lieutenant, "but, which is a serious matter, + +<i>with</i> the cold, and a cold ago intense that we cannot venture outside! I + +really don't know how we shall get rid .of these tiresome brutes."</p> + +<p>"I suppose they will soon get tired of prowling about," said the lady, "and + +return as they came."</p> + +<p>Hobson shook his head as if he had his doubts.</p> + +<p>"You don't know these animals, madam. They are famished with hunger, and will + +not go until we make them!"</p> + +<p>"Are you anxious, then?"</p> + +<p>"Yes and no," replied the Lieutenant. "I don't think the bears will get in; + +but neither do I see how we can get out, should it become necessary for us to do + +so."</p> + +<p>With these words Hobson turned to the window, and Mrs Barnett joined the + +other women, who had gathered round the Sergeant, and were listening to what he + +had to say about the bears. He spoke like a man well up in his subject, for he + +had had many an encounter with these formidable carnivorous creatures, which + +are often met with even towards the south, where, however, they can be safely + +attacked, whilst here the siege would be a regular blockade, for the cold would + +quite prevent any attempt at a sortie.</p> + +<p>Throughout the whole day the movements of the bears were attentively watched. + +Every now and then one of them would lay his great head against the window-pane + +and an ominous growl was heard.</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant and the Sergeant took counsel together, and it was agreed that + +if their enemies showed no sign of beating a retreat, they would drill a few + +loopholes in the walls of the house, and fire at them. But it was decided to put + +off this desperate measure for a day or two, as it was desirable to avoid giving + +access to the outer air; the inside temperature being already far too low. The + +walrus oil to be burnt was frozen so hard that it had to be broken up with + +hatchets.</p> + +<p>The day passed without any incident. The bears went and came, prowling round + +the house, but attempting no direct attack. Watch was kept all night, and at + +four o'clock in the morning they seemed to have left the court-at any rate, they + +were nowhere to be seen.</p> + +<p>But about seven o'clock Marbre went up to the loft to fetch some provisions, + +and on his return announced that the bears were walking about on the roof.</p> + +<p>Hobson, the Sergeant, Mac-Nab, and two or three soldiers seized their arms, + +and rushed to the ladder in the passage, which. communicated with the loft by a + +trap-door. The cold was, however, so intense in the loft that the men could not + +hold the barrels of their guns, and their breath froze as it left their lips and + +floated about them as snow.</p> + +<p>Marbre was right; the bears were all on the roof, and the sound of their feet + +and their growls could be distinctly heard. Their great claws caught in the + +laths of the roof beneath the ice, and there was some danger that they might + +have sufficient strength to tear away the woodwork.</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant and his men, becoming giddy and faint from the intense cold, + +were soon obliged to go down, and Hobson announced the state of affairs in as + +hopeful a tone as he could assume.</p> + +<p>"The bears," he said, "are now upon the roof. We ourselves have nothing to + +fear, as they can't get into our rooms; but they may force an entrance to the + +loft, and devour the furs stowed away there. Now these furs belong to the + +Company, and it is our duty to preserve them from injury I ask you then, my + +friends, to aid me in removing them to a place of safety."</p> + +<p>All eagerly volunteered, and relieving each other in parties of two or three, + +for none could have supported the intense severity of the cold for long at a + +time, they managed to carry all the furs into the large room in about an + +hour.</p> + +<p>Whilst the work was proceeding, the bears continued their efforts to get in, + +and tried to lift up the rafters of .the roof. In some places the laths became + +broken by their weight, and poor Mac-Nab was in despair; he had not reckoned + +upon such a contingency when he constructed the roof, and expected to see it + +give way every moment.</p> + +<p>The day passed, however, without any change in the situation. The bears did + +not get in; but a no less formidable enemy, the cold, gradually penetrated into + +every room. The fires in the stoves burnt low; the fuel in reserve was almost + +exhausted; and before twelve o'clock, the last piece of wood would be burnt, and + +the genial warmth of the stove would no longer cheer the unhappy colonists.</p> + +<p>Death would then await them-death in its most fearful form, from cold. The + +poor creatures, huddled together round the stove, felt that their own vital heat + +must soon become exhausted, but not a word of complaint passed their lips. The + +women bore their sufferings with the greatest heroism, and Mrs Mac-Nab pressed + +her baby convulsively to her ice-cold breast. Some of the soldiers slept, or + +rather were wrapped in a heavy torpor, which could scarcely be called sleep.</p> + +<p>At three o'clock in the morning Hobson consulted the thermometer hanging in + +the large room, about ten feet from the stove.</p> + +<p>It marked 4? Fahrenheit below zero.</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant pressed his hand to his forehead, and looked mournfully at his + +silent companions without a word. His half-condensed breath shrouded his face in + +a white cloud, and he was standing rooted to the spot when a hand was laid upon + +his shoulder. He started, and looked round to see Mrs Barnett beside him.</p> + +<p>"Something must be done, Lieutenant Hobson !" exclaimed the energetic woman; + +"we cannot die like this without an effort to save ourselves !"</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied the Lieutenant, feeling revived by the moral courage of his + +companion--" yes, something must be done !" and he called together Long, Mac-Nab, + +and Rae the blacksmith, as the bravest men in his party. All, together with Mrs + +Barnett, hastened to the window, and having washed the panes with boiling water, + +they consulted the thermometer outside.</p> + +<p>"Seventy-two degrees !" cried Hobson. "My friends, two courses only are open + +to us, we can risk our lives to get a fresh supply of fuel, or we can burn the + +benches, beds, partition walls, and everything in the house to feed our stoves + +for a few days longer. A desperate alternative, for the cold may last for some + +time yet; there is no sign of a change in the weather."</p> + +<p>"Let us risk our lives to get fuel !" said Sergeant Long.</p> + +<p>All agreed that it would be the best course, and without another word each + +one set to work to prepare for the emergency.</p> + +<p>The following were the precautions taken to save the lives of those who were + +about to risk themselves for the sake of the general good :-</p> + +<p>The shed in which the wood was stored was about fifty steps on the left, + +behind, the principal house. It was decided that one of the men should try and + +run to the shed. He was to take one rope wound round his body, and to carry + +another in his hand, one end of which was to be held by one of his comrades. + +Once at the shed, he was to load one of the sledges there with fuel, and tie one + +rope to the front, and the other to the back of the vehicle, so that it could be + +dragged backwards and forwards between the house and the shed without much + +danger. A tug violently shaking one or the other cord would be the signal that + +the sledge was filled with fuel at the shed, or unloaded at the house.</p> + +<p>A very clever plan, certainly; but two things might defeat it. The door of + +the shed might be so blocked up with ice that it would be very difficult to open + +it, or the bears might come down from the roof and prowl about the court. Two + +risks to be run !</p> + +<p>Long, Mac-Nab, and Rae, all three volunteered for the perilous service; but + +the Sergeant reminded the other two that they were married, and insisted upon + +being the first to venture.</p> + +<p>When the Lieutenant expressed a wish to go himself, Mrs Barnett said + +earnestly, "You are our chief; you have no right to expose yourself. Let + +Sergeant Long go."</p> + +<p>Hobson could not but realise that his office imposed caution, and being + +called upon to decide which of his companions should go, be chose the Sergeant. + +Mrs Barnett pressed the brave man's hand with ill-concealed emotion; and the + +rest of the colonists, asleep or stupefied, knew nothing of the attempt about to + +be made to save their lives.</p> + +<p>Two long ropes were got ready. The Sergeant wound one round his body above + +the warm furs, worth some thousand pounds sterling, in which he was encased, and + +tied the other to his belt, on which he hung a tinder-box and a loaded revolver. + +Just before starting he swallowed down half a glass of rum, as he said, "to + +insure a good load of wood."</p> + +<p>Hobson, Rae, and Mac-Nab accompanied the brave fellow through the kitchen, + +where the fire had just gone out, and into the passage. Rae climbed up to the + +trap-door of the loft, and peeping through it, made sure that the bears were + +still on the roof. The moment for action had arrived.</p> + +<p>One door of the passage was open, and in spite of the thick furs in which + +they were wrapped, all felt chilled to the very marrow of their bones; and when + +the second door was pushed open, they recoiled for an instant, panting for + +breath, whilst the moisture held in suspension in the air of the passage covered + +the walls and the floor with fine snow.</p> + +<p>The weather outside was extremely dry, and the stars shone with extraordinary + +brilliancy. Sergeant Long rushed out without a moment's hesitation, dragging the + +cord behind him, one end of which was held by his companions; the outer door was + +pushed to, and Hobson, Mae-Nab, and Rae went back to the passage and closed the + +second door, behind which they waited. If Long did not return in a few minutes, + +they might conclude that his enterprise had succeeded, and that, safe in the + +shed, he was loading the first train with fuel. Ten minutes at the most ought to + +suffice for this operation, if he had been able to get the door open.</p> + +<p>When the Sergeant was fairly off, Hobson and Mac-Nab walked together towards + +the end of the passage.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile Rae had been watching the bears and the loft. It was so dark that + +all hoped Long's movements would escape the notice of the hungry animals.</p> + +<p>Ten minutes elapsed, and the three watchers went back to the narrow space + +between the two doors, waiting for the signal to be given to drag in the + +sledge.</p> + +<p>Five minutes more. The cord remained motionless in their hands! Their anxiety + +can be imagined. It was a quarter of an hour since the Sergeant had started, + +plenty of time for all he had to do, and he had given no signal.</p> + +<p>Hobson waited a few minutes longer, and then tightening his hold of the end + +of the rope, he made a sign to his companions to pull with him. If the load of + +wood were not quite ready, the Sergeant could easily stop it from being dragged + +away.</p> + +<p>The rope was pulled vigorously. A heavy object seemed to slide along the + +snow. In a few moments it reached the outer door.</p> + +<p>It was the body of the Sergeant, with the rope round his waist. Poor Long had + +never reached the shed. He had fallen fainting to the ground, and after twenty + +minutes' exposure to such a temperature there was little hope that he would + +revive.</p> + +<p>A cry of grief and despair burst from the lips of Mac-Nab and Rae. They + +lifted their unhappy comrade from the ground, and carried him into the passage; + +but as the Lieutenant was closing the outer door, something pushed violently + +against it, and a horrible growl was heard.</p> + +<p>"Help!" cried Hobson.</p> + +<p>Mac-Nab and Rae rushed to their officer's assistance; but Mrs Barnett had + +been beforehand with them and was struggling with all her strength to help + +Hobson to close the door. In vain; the monstrous brute, throwing the whole + +weight of its body against it, would force its way into the passage in another + +moment.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett, whose presence of mind did not forsake her now, seized one of + +the pistols in the Lieutenant's belt, and waiting quietly until the animal + +shoved its head between the door and the wall, discharged the contents into its + +open mouth.</p> + +<p>The bear fell backwards, mortally wounded no doubt, and the door was shut and + +securely fastened.</p> + +<p>The body of the Sergeant was then carried into the large room. But, alas! the + +fire was dying out. How was it possible to restore the vital heat with no means + +of obtaining warmth?</p> + +<p>"I will go-I will go and fetch some wood !" cried the blacksmith Rae.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Rae, we will go together!" exclaimed Mrs Barnett, whose courage was + +unabated.</p> + +<p>"No, my friends, no!" cried Hobson; "you would fall victims to the cold, or + +the bears, or both. Let us burn all there is to burn in the house, and leave the + +rest to God !"</p> + +<p>And the poor half-frozen settlers rose and laid about them with their + +hatchets like madmen. Benches, tables, and partition walls were thrown down, + +broken up, crushed to pieces, and piled up in the stove of the large room and + +kitchen furnace. Very soon good fires were burning, on which a few drops of + +walrus-oil were poured, so that the temperature of the rooms quickly rose a + +dozen degrees.</p> + +<p>Every effort was made to restore the Sergeant. He was rubbed with warm rum, + +and gradually the circulation of his blood was restored. The white blotches with + +which parts of his body were covered began to disappear; but he had suffered + +dreadfully, and several hours elapsed before he could articulate a word. He was + +laid in a warm bed, and Mrs Barnett and Madge watched by him until the next + +morning.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile Hobson, Mac-Nab, and Rae consulted bow best to escape from their + +terrible situation. It was impossible to shut their eyes to the fact that in two + +days this fresh supply of fuel would be exhausted, and then, if the cold + +continued, what would become of them all? The new moon had risen forty-eight + +hours ago, and there was no sign of a change in the weather! The north wind + +still swept the face of the country with its icy breath; the barometer remained + +at " fine dry weather; "and there was not a vapour to be seen above the endless + +succession of ice-fields. There was reason to fear that the intense cold would + +last a long time yet, but what was to be done? Would it do to try once more to + +get to the wood-shed, when the bears had been roused by the shot, and rendered + +doubly dangerous? Would it be possible to attack these dreadful creatures in the + +open air I No, it would be madness, and certain death for all!</p> + +<p>Fortunately the temperature of the rooms had now become more bearable, and in + +the morning Mrs Joliffe served up a breakfast of hot meat and tea. Hot grog was + +served out, and the brave Sergeant was able to take his share. The heat from the + +stoves warmed the bodies and reanimated the drooping courage of the poor + +colonists, who were now ready to attack the bears at a word from Hobson. But the + +Lieutenant, thinking the forces unequally matched, would not risk the attempt; + +and it appeared likely that the day would pass without any incident worthy of + +note, when at about three o'clock in the afternoon a great noise was heard on + +the top of the house.</p> + +<p>"There they are!" cried two or three soldiers, hastily arming themselves with + +hatchets and pistols.</p> + +<p>It was evident that the bears had torn away one of the rafters of the roof, + +and got into the loft.</p> + +<p>"Let every one remain where he is!" cried the Lieutenant. "Rae, the trap + +!"</p> + +<p>The blacksmith rushed into the passage, scaled the ladder, and shut and + +securely fastened the trap-door.</p> + +<p>A dreadful noise was now heard-growling, stamping of feet, and tearing of + +claws. It was doubtful whether the danger of the anxious listeners was + +increased, or the reverse. Some were of opinion that if all the bears were in + +the loft, it would be easier to attack them. They would be less formidable in a + +narrow space, and there would not be the same risk of suffocation from cold. Of + +course a conflict with such fierce creatures must still. be very perilous, but + +it no longer appeared so desperate as before.</p> + +<p>It was now debated whether it would be better to go and attack the besiegers, + +or to remain on the defensive. Only one soldier could get through the narrow + +trap-door at a time, and this made Hobson hesitate, and finally resolve to wait. + +The Sergeant and others, whose bravery none could doubt, agreed that he was in + +the right, and it might be possible that some new incident would occur to modify + +the situation. It was almost impossible for the bears to break through the beams + +of the ceiling, as they had the rafters of the roof, so that there was little + +fear that they would get on to the ground-floor.</p> + +<p>The day passed by in anxious expectation, and at night no one could sleep for + +the uproar made by the furious beasts.</p> + +<p>The next day, about nine o'clock, a fresh complication compelled Hobson to + +take active steps.</p> + +<p>He knew that the pipes of the stove and kitchen furnace ran all along the + +loft, and being made of lime-bricks but imperfectly cemented together, they + +could not resist great pressure for any length of time. Now some of the bears + +scratched at the masonry, whilst others leant against the pipes for the sake of + +the warmth from the stove; so that the bricks began to give way, and soon the + +stoves and furnace ceased to draw.</p> + +<p>This really was an irreparable misfortune, which would have disheartened less + +energetic men. But things were not yet at their worst. Whilst the fire became + +lower and lower, a thick, nauseous, acrid smoke filled the house; the pipes were + +broken, and the smoke soon became so thick that the lamps went out. Hobson now + +saw that he must leave the house if he wished to escape suffocation, but to + +leave the house would be to perish with cold. At this fresh misfortune some of + +the women screamed; and Hobson, seizing a hatchet, shouted in a loud voice</p> + +<p>"To the bears! to the bears, my friends !"</p> + +<p>It was the forlorn-hope. These terrible creatures must be destroyed. All + +rushed into the passage and made for the ladder, Hobson leading the way. The + +trap-door was opened, and a few shots were fired into the black whirlpool of + +smoke. Mingled howls and screams were heard, and blood began to flow on both + +sides; but the fearful conflict was waged in profound darkness.</p> + +<p>In the midst of the <i>melee</i> a terrible rumbling sound suddenly drowned the + +tumult, the ground became violently agitated, and the house rocked as if it were + +being torn up from its foundations. The beams of the walls separated, and + +through the openings Hobson and his companions saw the terrified bears rushing + +away into the darkness, howling with rage and fright.</p> +<a name="XXII" id="XXII"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER XXII.</h4> + +<h4><i>FIVE MONTHS MORE.</i></h4> + +<p>A violent earthquake had shaken Cape Bathurst. Such convulsions were probably + +frequent in this volcanic region, and the connection between them and eruptions + +was once more demonstrated.</p> + +<p>Hobson well understood the significance of what had occurred, and waited in + +anxious suspense. He knew that the earth might open and swallow up the little + +colony; but only one shock was felt, and that was rather a rebound than a + +vertical upheaval, which made the house lean over towards the lake, and burst + +open its walls. Immediately after this one shock, the ground again became firm + +and motionless.</p> + +<p>The house, although damaged, was still habitable; the breaches in the walls + +were quickly repaired, and the pipes of the chimneys were patched together again + +somehow</p> + +<p>Fortunately the wounds the soldiers had received in their struggle with the + +bears were slight, and merely required dressing.</p> + +<p>Two miserable days ensued, during which the woodwork of the beds and the + +planks of the partition walls were burnt, and the most pressing repairs executed + +by Mac-Nab and his men. The piles, well driven into the earth, had not yielded; + +but it was evident that the earthquake had caused a sinking of the level of the + +coast on which the fort was built, which might seriously compromise the safety + +of the building. Hobson was most anxious to ascertain the extent of the + +alteration of elevation, but the pitiless cold prevented him from venturing + +outside.</p> + +<p>But at last there were symptoms of an approaching change in the weather. The + +stars shone with rather less brilliancy, and on the 11th January the barometer + +fell slightly; hazy vapours floated in the air, the condensation of which would + +raise the temperature; and on the 12th January the wind veered to the + +south-west, and snow fell at irregular intervals.</p> + +<p>The thermometer outside suddenly rose to 15? above zero, and to the frozen + +colonists it was like the beginning of spring.</p> + +<p>At eleven o'clock the same morning all were out of doors. They were like a + +band of captives unexpectedly set free. They were, however, absolutely forbidden + +to go beyond the enceinte of the fort, in case of awkward meetings.</p> + +<p>The sun had not yet reappeared above the horizon, but it approached it nearly + +enough to produce a long twilight, during which objects could be distinctly seen + +to a distance of two miles; and Hobson's first thought was to ascertain what + +difference the earthquake had produced in the appearance of the surrounding + +districts.</p> + +<p>Certain changes had been effected. The crest of the promontory of Cape + +Bathurst had been broken off, and large pieces of the cliff had been flung upon + +the beach. The whole mass of the cape seemed to have been bent towards the lake, + +altering the elevation of the plateau on which the fort was built. The soil on + +the west appeared to have been depressed, whilst that on the east had been + +elevated. One of the results of this change of level would unfortunately be, + +that when the thaw set in, the waters of the lake and of Paulina river, in + +obedience to the law, requiring liquids to maintain their level, would inundate + +a portion of the western coast. The stream would probably scoop out another bed, + +and the natural harbour at its mouth would be destroyed. The hills on the + +eastern bank seemed to be considerably depressed, but the cliffs on the west + +were too far off for any accurate observations to be made. The important + +alteration produced by the earthquake may, in fact, be summed up in a very few + +words : the horizontal character of the ground was replaced by a slope from east + +to west.</p> + +<p>"Well, Lieutenant," said Mrs Barnett, laughing, "you were good enough to give + +my name to the port and river, and now there will be neither Paulina river nor + +Port Barnett. I must say I have been hardly used."</p> + +<p>"Well, madam," replied Hobson, "although the river is gone, the lake remains, + +and we will call it Lake Barnett. I hope that it at least will remain true to + +you."</p> + +<p>Mr and Mrs Joliffe, on leaving the house, had hurried, one to the doghouse, + +the other to the reindeer-stable. The dogs had not suffered much from their + +lone, confinement, and rushed into the court barking with delight. One reindeer + +had died, but the others, though thin, appeared to be in good health.</p> + +<p>"Well, madam," said the Lieutenant, "we have got through our troubles better + +than we could have expected."</p> + +<p>"I never despaired," replied the lady. "The miseries of an Arctic -winter + +would not conquer men like you and your companions."</p> + +<p>"To own the truth, madam," replied Hobson, "I never experienced such intense + +cold before, in all the years I have spent in the north; and if it had lasted + +many days longer we should all have been lost."</p> + +<p>"The earthquake came in the nick of time then, not only to drive away the + +bears, but also to modify the extremity of the cold?"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps so, madam. All natural phenomena influence each other to a certain + +extent. But the volcanic structure of the soil makes me rather uneasy. I cannot + +but regret the close vicinity of this active volcano. If the lava from it cannot + +reach us, the earthquakes connected with it can. Just look at our house + +now!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, all that can be put right when the fine weather comes, and you will make + +it all the stronger for the painful experience you have gained."</p> + +<p>"Of course we shall, but meanwhile I am afraid you won't find it very + +comfortable."</p> + +<p>"Are you speaking to me, Lieutenant? to an old traveller like me? I shall + +imagine myself one of the crew of a small vessel, and now that it does not pitch + +and toss, I shall have no fear of being sea-sick."</p> + +<p>"What you say does not surprise me," replied Hobson; "we all know your + +grandeur of character, your moral courage and imperturbable good temper. You + +have done much to help us all to bear our troubles, and I thank you in my own + +name and that of my men."</p> + +<p>"You flatter me, Lieutenant; you flatter me."</p> + +<p>"No, no; I only say what every one thinks. But may I ask you one question. + +You know that next June, Captain Craventy is to send us a convoy with + +provisions, which will take back our furs to Fort Reliance. I suppose our friend + +Thomas Black, after having seen his eclipse, will return with the Captain's men. + +Do you mean to accompany him?"</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to send me back?" asked the lady with a smile.</p> + +<p>"O madam !"-</p> + +<p>"Well, my superior officer," replied Mrs Barnett, extending her hand to the + +Lieutenant, "I shall ask you to allow me to spend another winter at Fort Hope. + +Next year one of the Company's ships will probably anchor off Cape Bathurst, and + +I shall return in it. Having come overland, I should like to go back by Behring + +Strait."</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant was delighted with his companion's decision. The two had + +become sincerely attached to each other, and had many tastes and qualities in + +common. The hour of separation could not fail to be painful to both; and who + +could tell what further trials awaited `the colonists, in which their combine, + +influence might sustain the courage of the rest?</p> + +<p>On the 20th January the sun at last reappeared, and the Polar night was at an + +end. It only remained above the horizon for a few minutes, and was greeted with + +joyous hurrahs by the settlers. From this date the days gradually increased in + +length.</p> + +<p>Throughout the month of February, and until the 15th March, there were abrupt + +transitions from fine to bad weather. The fine days were so cold that the + +hunters could not go out; and in the bad weather snowstorms kept them in. It was + +only between whiles that any outdoor work could be done; and long excursions + +were out of the question. There was no necessity for them, however, as the traps + +were in full activity. In the latter end of the winter, martens, foxes, ermines, + +wolverines, and other valuable animals were taken in large numbers, and the + +trappers had plenty to do.</p> + +<p>In March an excursion was ventured on as far as Walruses' Bay and it was + +noticed that the earthquake had considerably altered the form of the cliffs, + +which were much depressed; whilst the igneous hills beyond, with their summits + +wrapped in mist, seemed to look larger and more threatening than ever.</p> + +<p>About the 20th March the hunters sighted the first swans migrating from the + +south, and uttering shrill cries as they flew. A few snow buntings and winter + +hawks were also seen. But the ground was still covered with thick layers of + +frozen snow, and the sun was powerless to melt the hard surface of the lake and + +sea.</p> + +<p>The breaking up of the frost did not commence until early in April. The ice + +burst with a noise like the discharge of artillery.</p> + +<p>Sudden changes took place in the appearance of the icebergs broken by + +collisions, undermined by the action of the water once more set free, huge + +masses rolled over with an awful crash, in consequence of the displacement of + +their centre of gravity, causing fractures and fissures in the ice-fields which + +greatly accelerated their breaking up.</p> + +<p>At this time the mean temperature was 32? above zero, so that the upper layer + +of ice on the beach rapidly dissolved, whilst the chain of icebergs, drifted + +along by the currents of the Polar Sea, gradually drew back and became lost in + +the fogs on the horizon. On the 15th April the sea was open, and a vessel from + +the Pacific Ocean coming through Behring Strait, could certainly have skirted + +along the American coast, and have anchored off Cape Bathurst.</p> + +<p>Whilst the ice was disappearing from the ocean, Lake Barnett was also laying + +aside its slippery armour, much to the delight of the thousands of ducks and + +other water-fowl which began to teem upon its banks. As Hobson had foreseen, + +however, the level of the lake was affected by the slope of the soil. That part + +of the beach which stretched away from the enceinte of the fort, and was bounded + +on the east by wooded hills, had increased considerably in extent; and Hobson + +estimated that the waters of the lake had receded five hundred paces on the + +eastern bank. As a natural consequence, the water on the western side had risen, + +and if not held back by some natural barrier, would inundate the country.</p> + +<p>On the whole, it was fortunate that the slope was from east to west; for had + +it been from west to east, the factory must have been submerged.</p> + +<p>The little river dried up as soon as the thaw set free its waters. It might + +almost be said to have run back to its source, so abrupt was the slope of its + +bed from north to south.</p> + +<p>"We have now to erase a river from the map of the Arctic regions," observed + +Hobson to his Sergeant. "It would have been embarrassing if we had been + +dependent on the truant for drinkable water. Fortunately we have still Lake + +Barnett, and I don't suppose our thirsty men will drain it quite dry."</p> + +<p>"Yes, we've got the lake," replied the Sergeant; "but do you think its waters + +have remained sweet?"</p> + +<p>Hobson started and looked at his subordinate with knitted brows. It had not + +occurred to him that a fissure in the ground might have established a + +communication between the lake and the sea! Should it be so, ruin must ensue, + +and the factory would inevitably have to be abandoned after all.</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant and Hobson rushed to the lake and found their fears + +groundless. Its waters were still sweet.</p> + +<p>Early in May the snow had disappeared in several places, and a scanty + +vegetation clothed the soil. Tiny mosses and slender grasses timidly pushed up + +their stems above the ground, and the sorrel and cochlearia seeds which Mrs + +Joliffe had planted began to sprout. The carpet of snow had protected them + +through the bitter winter; but they had still to be saved from the beaks of + +birds and the teeth of rodents. This arduous and important task was confided to + +the worthy Corporal, who acquitted himself of it with the zeal and devotion of a + +scarecrow in a kitchen garden.</p> + +<p>The long days had now returned, and hunting was resumed.</p> + +<p>Hobson was anxious to have a good stock of furs for the agents from Fort + +Reliance to take charge of when they arrived, as they would do in a few weeks. + +Marbre, Sabine, and the others, therefore, commenced the campaign. Their + +excursions were neither long nor fatiguing : they never went further than two + +miles from Cape Bathurst, for they had never before been in a district so well + +stocked with game; and they were both surprised and delighted. Martens, + +reindeer, hares, caribous, foxes, and ermines passed close to their guns.</p> + +<p>One thing, however, excited some regret in the minds of the colonists, not a + +trace was to be seen of their old enemies the bears; and it seemed as if they + +had taken all their relations with them. Perhaps the earthquake had frightened + +them away, for they have a very delicate nervous organisation, if such an + +expression can be applied to a mere quadruped. It was a pity they were gone, for + +vengeance could not be wreaked upon them.</p> + +<p>The month of May was very wet. Rain and snow succeeded each other. The mean + +temperature was only 41? above zero. Fogs were of frequent occurrence, and so + +thick that it would often have been imprudent to go any distance from the fort. + +Petersen and Kellet once caused their companions grave anxiety by disappearing + +for forty-eight hours. They had lost their way, and turned to the south when + +they thought they were near to Walruses' Bay. They came back exhausted and half + +dead with hunger.</p> + +<p>June came at last, and with it really fine warm weather. The colonists were + +able to leave off their winter clothing. They worked zealously at repairing the + +house, the foundations of which had to be propped up; and Hobson also ordered + +the construction of a large magazine at the southern corner of the court. The + +quantity of game justified the expenditure of time and labour involved : the + +number of furs collected was already considerable, and it was necessary to have + +some place set aside in which to keep them.</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant now expected every day the arrival of the detachment to be + +sent by Captain Craventy. A good many things were still required for the new + +settlement. The stores were getting low; and if the party had left the fort in + +the beginning of May, they ought to reach Cape Bathurst towards the middle of + +June. It will be remembered that the Captain and his Lieutenant had fixed upon + +the cape as the spot of rendezvous, and Hobson having constructed his fort on + +it, there was no fear of the reinforcements failing to find him.</p> + +<p>From the 15th June the districts surrounding the cape were carefully watched. + +The British flag waved from the summit of the cliff, and could be seen at a + +considerable distance. It was probable that the convoy would follow the + +Lieutenant's example, and skirt along the coast from Coronation Gulf. If not + +exactly the shortest, it was the surest route, at a time when, the sea being + +free from ice, the coast-line could be easily followed.</p> + +<p>When the month of June passed without the arrival of the expected party, + +Hobson began to feel rather uneasy, especially as the country again became + +wrapped in fogs. He began to fear that the agents might lose their way, and + +often talked the matter over with Mrs Barnett, Mac-Nab, and Rae.</p> + +<p>Thomas Black made no attempt to conceal his uneasiness, for he was anxious to + +return with the party from Fort Reliance as soon as he had seen his eclipse; and + +should anything keep them back from coming, he would have to resign himself to + +another winter, a prospect which did not please him at all; and in reply to his + +eager questions, Hobson could say little to reassure him.</p> + +<p>The 4th July dawned. No news! Some men sent to the southeast to reconnoitre, + +returned, bringing no tidings.</p> + +<p>Either the agents had never started, or they had lost their way. The latter + +hypothesis was unfortunately the more probable. Hobson knew Captain Craventy, + +and felt confident that he had sent off the convoy at the time named.</p> + +<p>His increasing anxiety will therefore be readily understood. The fine season + +was rapidly passing away. Another two months and the Arctic winter, with its + +bitter winds, its whirlpools of snow, and its long nights, would again set + +in.</p> + +<p>Hobson, as we well know, was not a man to yield to misfortune without a + +struggle. Something must be done, and with the ready concurrence of the + +astronomer the following plan was decided on.</p> + +<p>It was now the 5th July. In another fortnight-July 18th-the solar eclipse was + +to take place, and after that Thomas Black would be free to leave Fort Hope. It + +was therefore agreed that if by that time the agents had not arrived, a convoy + +of a few men and four or five sledges should leave the factory, and make for the + +Great Slave Lake, taking with them some of the most valuable furs; and if no + +accident befell them, they might hope to arrive at Fort Reliance in six weeks at + +the latest-that is to say, towards the end of August.</p> + +<p>This matter settled, Thomas Black shrank back into his shell, and became once + +more the man of one idea, awaiting the moment when the moon, passing between the + +orb of day and "himself," should totally eclipse the disc of the sun.</p> +<a name="XXIII" id="XXIII"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER XXIII.</h4> + +<h4><i>THE ECLIPSE OF THE 18TH JULY 1860.</i></h4> + +<p>The mists did not disperse. The sun shone feebly through thick curtains of + +fog, and the astronomer began to have a great dread lest the eclipse should not + +be visible after all. Sometimes the fog was so dense that the summit of the cape + +could not be seen from the court of the fort.</p> + +<p>Hobson got more and more uneasy. He had no longer any doubt that the convoy + +had gone astray in the strange land; moreover, vague apprehensions and sad + +forebodings increased his depression. He could not look into the future with any + +confidence-why, he would have found it impossible to explain. Everything + +apparently combined to reassure him. In spite of the great rigour of the winter, + +his little colony was in excellent health. No quarrels had arisen amongst the + +colonists, and their zeal and enthusiasm was still unabated. The surrounding + +districts were well stocked with game, the harvest of furs had surpassed his + +expectations, and the Company might well be satisfied with the result of the + +enterprise. Even if no fresh supply of provisions arrived, the resources of the + +country were such that the prospect of a second winter need awake no misgivings. + +Why, then, was Lieutenant Hobson losing hope and confidence?</p> + +<p>He and Mrs Barnett had many a talk on the subject; and the latter did all she + +could to raise the drooping spirits of the commanding officer, urging upon him + +all the considerations enumerated above; and one day walking with him along the + +beach, she pleaded the cause of Cape Bathurst and the factory, built at the cost + +of-so much suffering, with more than usual eloquence.</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes, madam, you are right," replied Hobson; "but we can't help our + +presentiments. I am no visionary. Twenty times in my soldier's life I have been + +in critical circumstances, and have never lost presence of mind for one instant; + +and now for the first time in my life I am uneasy about the future. If I had to + +face a positive danger, I should have no fear; but a vague uncertain peril of + +which I have only a presentiment "</p> + +<p>"What danger do you mean?" inquired Mrs Barnett; "a danger from men, from + +animals, or the elements?"</p> + +<p>"Of animals I have no dread whatever, madam; it is for them to tremble before + +the hunters of Cape Bathurst, nor do I fear men; these districts are frequented + +by none but Esquimaux, and the Indians seldom venture so far north."</p> + +<p>"Besides, Lieutenant," said Mrs Barnett, "the Canadians, whose arrival you so + +much feared in the fine season, have never appeared."</p> + +<p>"I am very sorry for it, madam."</p> + +<p>"What! you regret the absence of the rivals who are so evidently hostile to + +your Company?"</p> + +<p>"Madam, I am both glad and sorry that they have not come; that will of course + +puzzle you. But observe that the expected convoy from Fort Reliance has not + +arrived. It is the same with. the agents of the St Louis Fur Company; they might + +have come, and they have not done so. Not a single Esquimaux has visited this + +part of the coast during the summer either"-</p> + +<p>"And what do you conclude from all this?" inquired Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>"I conclude that it is not so <i>easy</i> to get to Cape Bathurst or to Fort + +Hope as we could wish."</p> + +<p>The lady looked into the Lieutenant's anxious face, struck with the + +melancholy and significant intonation of the word <i>easy.</i></p> + +<p>"Lieutenant Hobson," she said earnestly, "if you fear neither men nor + +animals, I must conclude that your anxiety has reference to the elements."</p> + +<p>"Madam," he replied, "I do not know if my spirit be broken, or if my + +presentiments blind me, but there seems to me to be something uncanny about this + +district. If I had known it better I should not have settled down in it. I have + +already called your attention to certain peculiarities, which to me appear + +inexplicable; the total absence of stones everywhere, and the clear-cut line of + +the coast. I can't make out about the primitive formation of this end of the + +continent. I know that the vicinity of a volcano may cause some phenomena; but + +you remember what I said to you on the subject of the tides?"</p> + +<p>"Oh yes, perfectly."</p> + +<p>"Where the sea ought according to the observations of explorers in these + +latitudes, to have risen fifteen or twenty feet, it has scarcely risen one + +!"</p> + +<p>"Yes; but that you accounted for by the irregular distribution of land and + +the narrowness of the straits."</p> + +<p>"I <i>tried</i> to account for it, that is all," replied Hobson; "but the day + +before yesterday I noticed a still more extraordinary phenomenon, which I cannot + +even try to explain, and I doubt if the greatest <i>savants</i> could do so + +either."</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett looked inquiringly at Hobson.</p> + +<p>"What has happened?" she exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"Well, the day before yesterday, madam, when the moon was full, and according + +to the almanac the tide ought to have been very high, the sea did not even rise + +one foot, as it did before-it did not <i>rise</i> at all."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you may be mistaken observed Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>"I am not mistaken. I saw it with my own eyes. The day before yesterday, July + +4th, there was positively no tide on the coast of Cape Bathurst."</p> + +<p>"And what do you conclude from that?" inquired Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>"I conclude madam," replied the Lieutenant, "either that the laws of nature + +are changed, or that this district is very peculiarly situated . . . or rather . + +. . I conclude nothing . . . I explain nothing . . . I am puzzled. . . I do not + +understand it; and therefore . . . therefore I am anxious."</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett asked no more questions. Evidently the total absence of tides was + +as unnatural and inexplicable as would be the absence of the sun from the + +meridian at noon. Unless the earthquake had so modified the conformation of the + +coast of the Arctic regions as to account for it-but no, such an idea could not + +be entertained by any one accustomed to note terrestrial phenomena.</p> + +<p>As for supposing that the Lieutenant could be mistaken in his observations, + +that was impossible; and that very day he and Mrs Barnett, by means of + +beach-marks made on the beach, ascertained beyond all doubt that whereas a year + +before the sea rose a foot, there was now no tide whatever.</p> + +<p>The matter was kept a profound secret, as Hobson was unwilling to render his + +companions anxious. But he might often be seen standing motionless and silent + +upon the summit of the cape, gazing across the sea, which was now open, and + +stretched away as far as the eye could reach.</p> + +<p>During the month of July hunting the furred animals was discontinued, as the + +martens, foxes, and others had already lost their winter beauty. No game was + +brought down but that required for food, such as caribous, Polar hares, &c., + +which, strange to say, instead of being scared away by the guns, continued to + +multiply near the fort. Mrs Barnett did not fail to note this peculiar, and, as + +the event proved, significant fact.</p> + +<p>No change had taken place in the situation on the 15th July. No news from + +Fort Reliance. The expected convoy did not arrive, and Hobson resolved to + +execute his project of sending to Captain Craventy, as Captain Craventy did not + +come to him.</p> + +<p>Of course none but Sergeant Long could be appointed to the command of the + +little troop, although the faithful fellow would rather not have been separated + +from his Lieutenant. A considerable time must necessarily elapse before he could + +get back to Fort Hope. He would have to pass the winter at Fort Reliance, and + +return the next summer. Eight months at least! It is true either Mac-Nab or Rae + +could have taken the Sergeant's place; but then they were married, and the one + +being a master carpenter, and the other the only blacksmith, the colonists could + +not well have dispensed with their services.</p> + +<p>Such were the grounds on which the Lieutenant chose Long, and the Sergeant + +submitted with military obedience. The four soldiers elected to accompany him + +were Belcher, Pond, Petersen, and Kellet, who declared their readiness to + +start.</p> + +<p>Four sledges and their teams of dogs were told off for the service. They were + +to take a good stock of provisions, and the most valuable of the furs. Foxes, + +ermines, martens, swans, lynxes, musk-rats, gluttons, &c., all contributed + +to the precious convoy. The start was fixed for the morning of the 19th July, + +the day after the eclipse. Of course Thomas Black was to accompany the Sergeant, + +and one sledge was to convoy his precious person and instruments.</p> + +<p>The worthy savant endured agonies of suspense in the few days preceding the + +phenomenon which he awaited with so much impatience. He might well be anxious; + +for one day it was fine and another wet, now mists obscured the sun, or thick + +fogs hid it all together; and the wind veered to every point of the horizon with + +provoking fickleness and uncertainty. What if during the few moments of the + +eclipse the queen of the night and the great orb of day should be wrapped in an + +opaque cloud at the critical moment, so that he, the astronomer, Thomas Black, + +come so far to watch the phenomenon, should be unable to see the luminous corona + +or the red prominences! How terrible would be the disappointment! How many + +dangers, how much suffering, how much fatigue, would have been gone through in + +vain !</p> + +<p>"To have come so far to see the moon, and not to see it!" he cried in a + +comically piteous tone.</p> + +<p>No, he could not face the thought and early of an evening he would climb to + +the summit of the cape and gaze into the heavens. The fair Phoebe was nowhere to + +be seen; for it being three days before new moon, she was accompanying the sun + +in his daily course, and her light was quenched in his beams.</p> + +<p>Many a time did Thomas Black relieve his over-burdened heart by pouring out + +his troubles to Mrs Barnett. The good lady felt sincerely sorry for him, and one + +day, anxious to reassure him, she told him that the barometer showed a certain + +tendency to rise, and reminded him that they were in the fine season.</p> + +<p>The fine season !" cried the poor astronomer" shrugging his shoulders. "Who + +can speak of a fine season in such a country as this?"</p> + +<p>"Well, but, Mr Black," said Mrs Barnett, "suppose, for the sake of argument, + +that you miss this eclipse by any unlucky chance, I suppose there will be + +another some day. The eclipse of July 18th will not be the last of this + +century."</p> + +<p>"No, madam, no," returned Black; "there will be five more total eclipses of + +the sun before 1900. One on the 31st December 1861, which will be total for the + +Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean, and the Sahara Desert; a second on the 22d + +December 1870, total for the Azores, the south of Spain, Algeria, Sicily, and + +Turkey; a third on the 19th August 1887, total for the north-east of Germany, + +the south of Russia, and Central Asia; a fourth on the 9th April 1896, visible + +in Greenland, Lapland, and Siberia; and lastly, a fifth on the 28th May 1900, + +which will be total for the United States, Spain, Algeria, and</p> + +<p>Egypt."</p> + +<p>"Well, Mr Black," resumed Mrs Barnett, "if you lose the eclipse of the 18th + +July 1860, you can console yourself by looking forward to that of the 31st + +December 1861. It will only be seventeen months !"</p> + +<p>"I can console myself, madam," said the astronomer gravely, "by looking + +forward to that of 1896. I shall have to wait not seventeen months but + +thirty-six years !"</p> + +<p>"May I ask why?"</p> + +<p>"Because of all the eclipses, it alone-that of 9th August 1896-will be total + +for places in high latitudes, such as Lapland, Siberia, or Greenland."</p> + +<p>"But what is the special interest of an observation taken in these elevated + +latitudes?"</p> + +<p>"What special interest?" cried Thomas Black; why, a scientific interest of + +the highest importance. Eclipses have very rarely been watched near the Pole, + +where the sun, being very little above the horizon, is considerably increased in + +size. The disc of the moon which is to intervene between us and the sun is + +subject to a similar apparent extension, and therefore it may be that the red + +prominences and the luminous corona can be more thoroughly examined This, madam, + +is why I have travelled all this distance to watch the eclipse above the + +seventieth parallel. A similar opportunity will not occur until 1896, and who + +can tell if I shall be alive then?"</p> + +<p>To this burst of enthusiasm there was no reply to be made; and the + +astronomer's anxiety and depression increased, for the inconstant weather seemed + +more and more disposed to play him some ill-natured trick.</p> + +<p>It was very fine on the 16th July, but the next day it was cloudy and misty + +and Thomas Black became really ill. The feverish state he had been in for so + +long seemed likely to result in a serious illness. Mrs Barnett and Hobson tried + +in vain to soothe him, and Sergeant Long and the others could not understand how + +it was possible to be so unhappy for love of the moon."</p> + +<p>At last the great day-the 18th July-dawned. According to the calculations of + +astronomers, the total eclipse was to last four minutes thirty-seven + +seconds-that is to say, from forty-three minutes fifteen seconds past eleven to + +forty-seven minutes fifty-seven seconds past eleven A.M.</p> + +<p>"What do I ask? what do I ask?" moaned the astronomer, tearing his hair. + +"Only one little corner of the sky free from clouds! only the small space in + +which the eclipse is to take place ! And for how long? For four short minutes! + +After that, let it snow, let it thunder, let the elements break loose in fury, I + +should care no more for it all than a snail for a chronometer."</p> + +<p>It is not to be denied that Thomas Black had some grounds for his fears. It + +really seemed likely that observations would be impossible. At daybreak the + +horizon was shrouded in mists Heavy clouds were coming up from the south, and + +covering the very portion of the sky in which the eclipse was to take place. But + +doubtless the patron saint of astronomers had pity on poor Black, for towards + +eight o'clock a slight wind arose and swept the mists and clouds from the sky, + +leaving it bright and clear!</p> + +<p>A cry of gratitude burst from the lips of the astronomer, and his heart beat + +high with newly-awakened hope. The sun shone brightly, and the moon, so soon to + +darken it, was as yet invisible in its glorious beams.</p> + +<p>Thomas Black's instruments were already carefully placed on the promontory, + +and having pointed them towards the southern horizon, he awaited the event with + +calmness restored, and the coolness necessary for taking his observation. What + +was there left to fear?</p> + +<p>Nothing, unless it was that the sky might fall upon his head! At nine o'clock + +there was not a cloud, not a vapour left upon the sky from the zenith to the + +horizon. Never were circumstances more favourable to an astronomical + +observation.</p> + +<p>The whole party were anxious to take part in the observation, and all + +gathered round the astronomer on Cape Bathurst. Gradually the sun rose above the + +horizon, describing an extended arc above the vast plain stretching away to the + +south. No one spoke, but awaited the eclipse in solemn silence.</p> + +<p>Towards half-past nine the eclipse commenced The disc of the moon seemed to + +graze that of the sun. But the moon's <i>shadow</i> was not to fall completely + +on the earth, hiding the sun, until between forty three minutes past eleven and + +forty-seven minutes fifty-seven seconds past eleven. That was the time fixed in + +the almanacs, and every one knows that no error can creep into them, + +established, verified, and controlled as they are by the scientific men of all + +the observatories in the world.</p> + +<p>The astronomer had brought a good many glasses with him, and he distributed + +them amongst his companions, that all might watch the progress of the phenomenon + +without injury to the eyes.</p> + +<p>The brown disc of the moon gradually advanced, and terrestrial objects began + +to assume a peculiar orange hue, whilst the atmosphere on tire zenith completely + +changed colour. At a quarter-past ten half the disc of the sun was darkened, and + +a few dogs which happened to be at liberty showed signs of uneasiness and howled + +piteously. The wild ducks, thinking night had come, began to utter sleepy calls + +-and to seek their nests, and the mothers gathered their little ones under their + +wings. The hush of eventide fell upon all animated nature.</p> + +<p>At eleven o'clock two-thirds of the sun were covered, and all terrestrial + +objects became a kind of vinous red. A gloomy twilight set in, to be succeeded + +during the four minutes of totality by absolute darkness. A few planets, amongst + +t others Mercury and Venus, began to appear, and some constellations-Caplet, + +[symbol] and [symbol] of Taurus, and [symbol] of Orion. The darkness deepened + +every moment.</p> + +<p>Thomas Black remained motionless with his eye glued to the glass of his + +instrument, eagerly watching the progress of the phenomenon. At forty-three + +minutes past eleven the discs of the two luminaries ought to be exactly opposite + +to each other, that of the moon completely hiding that of the sun.</p> + +<p>"Forty-three minutes past eleven," announced Hobson, who was attentively + +watching the minute hand of his chronometer.</p> + +<p>Thomas Black remained motionless, stooping over his instrument. Half a minute + +passed, and then the astronomer [astonomer] drew himself up, with eyes distended + +and eager. Once more he bent over the telescope, and cried in a choked + +voice-</p> + +<p>"She is going! she is going! The moon, the moon is going! She is + +disappearing, running away !"</p> + +<p>True enough the disc of the moon was gliding away from that of the sun + +without having completely covered it !</p> + +<p>The astronomer had fallen backwards, completely overcome. The four minutes + +were past. The luminous corona had not appeared !</p> + +<p>"What is the matter?" inquired Hobson.</p> + +<p>"The matter is," screamed the poor astronomer, "that the eclipse was not + +total-not total for this portion of the globe! Do you hear? It was not + + to-t-a-1! I say not to-t-a-l! !"</p> + +<p>"Then your almanacs are incorrect."</p> + +<p>"Incorrect! Don't tell that to me, if you please, Lieutenant Hobson !"</p> + +<p>"But what then?" said Hobson, suddenly changing countenance.</p> + +<p>"Why," said Black, "we are not after all on the seventieth parallel !"</p> + +<p>"Only fancy !" cried Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>"We can soon prove it," said the astronomer whose eyes flashed with rage and + +disappointment. "The sun will pass the meridian in a few minutes. . . . My + +sextant-quick . . . make haste !"</p> + +<p>One of the soldiers rushed to the house and fetched the instrument + +required.</p> + +<p>The astronomer pointed it upon the sun; he watched the orb of day pass the + +meridian, and rapidly noted down a few calculations.</p> + +<p>"What was the situation of Cape Bathurst a year ago when we took the + +latitude?" he inquired.</p> + +<p>"Seventy degrees, forty-four minutes, and thirty-seven seconds," replied + +Hobson.</p> + +<p>"Well, sir, it is now seventy-three degrees, seven minutes, and twenty + +seconds! You see we are not under the seventieth parallel !</p> + +<p>"Or rather we are no longer there !" muttered Hobson.</p> + +<p>A sudden light had broken in upon his mind, all the phenomena hitherto so + +inexplicable were now explained.</p> + +<p>Cape Bathurst had drifted three degrees farther north since the arrival of + +the Lieutenant and his companions !</p> + +<h4>End of Part I</h4> + +<h4>PART II<br>CONTENTS.</h4> + +<table width="90%" border="1" align="center" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1"> + + <tbody> + + <tr> + + <td width="16%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#BI">I</a></p></td> + + <td width="84%" valign="top"> + + <p>A Floating Fort</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="16%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#BII">II</a></p></td> + + <td width="84%" valign="top"> + + <p>Where Are We?</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="16%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#BIII">III</a></p></td> + + <td width="84%" valign="top"> + + <p>A Tour Of The Island</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="16%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#BIV">IV</a></p></td> + + <td width="84%" valign="top"> + + <p>A Night Encampment</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="16%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#BV">V</a></p></td> + + <td width="84%" valign="top"> + + <p>From July 25th To August 20th</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="16%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#BVI">VI</a></p></td> + + <td width="84%" valign="top"> + + <p>Ten Days Of Tempest</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="16%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#BVII">VII</a></p></td> + + <td width="84%" valign="top"> + + <p>A Fire And A Cry</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="16%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#BVIII">VIII</a></p></td> + + <td width="84%" valign="top"> + + <p>Mrs. Paulina Barnett's Excursion</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="16%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#BIX">IX</a></p></td> + + <td width="84%" valign="top"> + + <p>Kalumah's Adventures</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="16%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#BX">X</a></p></td> + + <td width="84%" valign="top"> + + <p>The Kamtchatka Current</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="16%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#BXI">XI</a></p></td> + + <td width="84%" valign="top"> + + <p>A Communication From Lieutenant Hobson</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="16%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#BXII">XII</a></p></td> + + <td width="84%" valign="top"> + + <p>A Chance To Be Tried</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="16%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#BXIII">XIII</a></p></td> + + <td width="84%" valign="top"> + + <p>Across The Ice-Field</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="16%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#BXIV">XIV</a></p></td> + + <td width="84%" valign="top"> + + <p>The Winter Months</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="16%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#BXV">XV</a></p></td> + + <td width="84%" valign="top"> + + <p>A Last Exploring Expedition</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="16%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#BXVI">XVI</a></p></td> + + <td width="84%" valign="top"> + + <p>The Break-Up Of The Ice</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="16%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#BXVII">XVII</a></p></td> + + <td width="84%" valign="top"> + + <p>The Avalanche</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="16%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#BXVIII">XVIII</a></p></td> + + <td width="84%" valign="top"> + + <p>All At Work</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="16%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#BXIX">XIX</a></p></td> + + <td width="84%" valign="top"> + + <p>Behring Sea</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="16%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#BXX">XX</a></p></td> + + <td width="84%" valign="top"> + + <p>In The Offing</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="16%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#BXXI">XXI</a></p></td> + + <td width="84%" valign="top"> + + <p>The Island Becomes An Isle</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="16%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#BXXII">XXII</a></p></td> + + <td width="84%" valign="top"> + + <p>The Four Following Days</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="16%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#BXXIII">XXIII</a></p></td> + + <td width="84%" valign="top"> + + <p>On A Piece Of Ice</p></td></tr> + + <tr> + + <td width="16%" valign="top"> + + <p><a href="#BXXIV">XXIV</a></p></td> + + <td width="84%" valign="top"> + + <p>Conclusion</p></td></tr></tbody></table><br> + +<h4>CHAPTER I.</h4> +<p> +<a name="BI" id="BI"></a> +</p> +<h4><i>A FLOATING FORT.</i></h4> + +<p>And so Fort Hope, founded by Lieutenant Hobson on the borders of the Polar + +Sea, had drifted! Was the courageous agent of the Company to blame for this? No; + +any one might have been deceived as he had been. No human prevision could have + +foreseen such a calamity. He meant to build upon a rock, and he had not even + +built upon sand. The peninsula of Victoria, which the best maps of English + +America join to the American continent, had been torn suddenly away from it. + +This peninsula was in fact nothing but an immense piece of ice, five hundred + +square miles in extent, converted by successive deposits of sand and earth into + +apparently solid ground well clothed with vegetation. Connected with the + +mainland for thousands of centuries, the earthquake of the 8th of January had + +dragged it away from its moorings, and it was now a floating island, at the + +mercy of the winds and waves, and had been carried along the Arctic Ocean by + +powerful currents for the last three months!</p> + +<p>Yes, Fort Hope was built upon ice! Hobson at once understood the mysterious + +change in their latitude. The isthmus-that is to say, the neck of land which + +connected the peninsula of Victoria with the mainland-had been snapped in two by + +a subterranean convulsion connected with the eruption of the volcano some months + +before. As long as the northern winter continued, the frozen sea maintained + +things as they were; but when the thaw came, when the ice fields, melted beneath + +the rays of the sun, and the huge icebergs, driven out into the offing, drew + +back to the farthest limits of the horizon-when the sea at last became open, the + +whole peninsula drifted away, with its woods, its cliffs, its promontories, its + +inland lagoon, and its coast-line, under the influence of a current about which + +nothing was known. For months this drifting had been going on unnoticed by the + +colonists, who even when hunting did not go far from Fort Hope. Beach-marks, if + +they had been made, would have been useless; for heavy mists obscured everything + +at a short distance, the ground remained apparently firm and motionless, and + +there was, in short, nothing to hint to the Lieutenant and his men that they had + +become islanders. The position of the new island with regard to the rising and + +setting of the sun was the same as before. Had the cardinal points changed their + +position, had the island turned round, the Lieutenant, the astronomer, or Mrs + +Barnett, would certainly have noticed and understood the change; but in its + +course the island had thus far followed a parallel of latitude, and its motion, + +though rapid, had been imperceptible.</p> + +<p>Although Hobson had no doubt of the moral and physical courage and + +determination of his companions, he determined not to acquaint them with the + +truth. It would be time enough to tell them of their altered position when it + +had been thoroughly studied. Fortunately the good fellows, soldiers or workmen, + +took little notice of the astronomical observations, and not being able to see + +the consequences involved, they did not trouble themselves about the change of + +latitude just announced.</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant determined to conceal his anxiety, and seeing no remedy for + +the misfortune, mastered his emotion by a strong effort, and tried to console + +Thomas Black, who was lamenting his disappointment and tearing his hair.</p> + +<p>The astronomer had no doubt about the misfortune of which he was the victim. + +Not having, like the Lieutenant, noticed the peculiarities of the district, he + +did not look beyond the one fact in which he was interested: on the day fixed, + +at the time named, the moon had not completely eclipsed the sun. And what could + +he conclude but that, to the disgrace of observatories, the almanacs were false, + +and that the long desired eclipse, his own eclipse, Thomas Black's, which he had + +come so far and through so many dangers to see, had not been "total" for this + +particular district under the seventieth parallel! No, no, it was impossible to + +believe it; he could not face the terrible certainty, and he was overwhelmed + +with disappointment. He was soon to learn the truth, however.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile Hobson let his men imagine that the failure of the eclipse could + +only interest himself and the astronomer, and they returned to their ordinary + +occupations; but as they were leaving, Corporal Joliffe stopped suddenly and + +said, touching his cap-</p> + +<p>"May I ask you one question, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Of course, Corporal; say on," replied the Lieutenant, who wondered what was + +coming.</p> + +<p>But Joliffe hesitated, and his little wife nudged his elbow.</p> + +<p>"Well, Lieutenant," resumed the Corporal, "it's just about the seventieth + +degree of latitude-if we are not where we thought we were."</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant frowned.</p> + +<p>"Well," he replied evasively, "we made a mistake in our reckoning, ... our + +first observation was wrong; ... but what does that concern you?"</p> + +<p>"Please, sir, it's because of the pay," replied Joliffe with a scowl. "You + +know well enough that the Company promised us double pay."</p> + +<p>Hobson drew a sigh of relief. It will be remembered that the men had been + +promised higher pay if they succeeded in settling on or above the seventieth + +degree north latitude, and Joliffe, who always had an eye to the main chance, + +had looked upon the whole matter from a monetary point of view, and was afraid + +the bounty would be withheld.</p> + +<p>"You needn't be afraid," said Hobson with a smile; "and you can tell your + +brave comrades that our mistake, which is really inexplicable, will not in the + +least prejudice your interests. We are not below, but above the seventieth + +parallel, and so you will get your double pay."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir, thank you," replied Joliffe with a beaming face. "It isn't + +that we think much about money, but that the money sticks to us."</p> + +<p>And with this sage remark the men drew off, little dreaming what a strange + +and fearful change had taken place in the position of the country.</p> + +<p>Sergeant Long was about to follow the others when Hobson stopped him with the + +words-</p> + +<p>"Remain here, Sergeant Long."</p> + +<p>The subordinate officer turned on his heel and waited for the Lieutenant to + +address him.</p> + +<p>All had now left the cape except Mrs Barnett, Madge, Thomas Black, and the + +two officers.</p> + +<p>Since the eclipse Mrs Barnett had not uttered a word. She looked inquiringly + +at Hobson, who tried to avoid meeting her eyes.</p> + +<p>For some time not another word was spoken. All involuntarily turned towards + +the south, where the broken isthmus was situated; but from their position they + +could only see the sea horizon on the north. Had Cape Bathurst been situated a + +few hundred feet more above the level of the ocean, they would have been able at + +a glance to ascertain the limits of their island home.</p> + +<p>All were deeply moved at the sight of Fort Hope and all its occupants borne + +away from all solid ground, and floating at the mercy of winds and waves.</p> + +<p>"Then, Lieutenant," said Mrs Barnett at last, "all the strange phenomena you + +observed are now explained!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, madam," he replied, "everything is explained. The peninsula of + +Victoria, now an island, which we thought firm ground with an immovable + +foundation, is nothing more than a vast sheet of ice welded for centuries to the + +American continent. Gradually the wind has strewn it with earth and sand, and + +scattered over them the seeds from which have sprung the trees and mosses with + +which it is clothed. Rain-water filled the lagoon, and produced the little + +river; vegetation transformed the appearance of the ground; but beneath the + +lake, beneath the soil of earth and sand-in a word, beneath our feet is a + +foundation of ice, which floats upon the water by reason of its being + +specifically lighter than it. Yes, it is a sheet of ice which bears us up, and + +is carrying us away, and this is why we have not found a single flint or stone + +upon its surface. This is why its shores are perpendicular, this is why we found + +ice ten feet below the surface when we dug the reindeer pit-this, in short, is + +why the tide was not noticeable on the peninsula, which rose and sank with the + +ebb and flow of the waves!"</p> + +<p>"Everything is indeed explained," said Mrs Barnett, "and your presentiments + +did not deceive you; but can you explain why the tides, which do not affect us + +at all now, were to a slight extent perceptible on our arrival?"</p> + +<p>"Simply because, madam, on our arrival the peninsula was still connected by + +means of its flexible isthmus with the American continent. It offered a certain + +resistance to the current, and on its northern shores the tide rose two feet + +beyond low-water mark, instead of the twenty we reasonably expected. But from + +the moment when the earthquake broke the connecting link, from the moment when + +the peninsula became an island free from all control, it rose and sank with the + +ebb and flow of the tide; and, as we noticed together at full moon a few days + +ago, no sensible difference was produced on our shores."</p> + +<p>In spite of his despair, Thomas Black listened attentively to Hobson's + +explanations, and could not but see the reasonableness of his deductions, but he + +was furious at such a rare, unexpected, and, as he said, "ridiculous" phenomenon + +occurring just so as to make him miss the eclipse, and he said not a word, but + +maintained a gloomy, even haughty silence.</p> + +<p>"Poor Mr Black," said Mrs Barnett, "it must be owned that an astronomer was + +never more hardly used than you since the world began!"</p> + +<p>"In any case, however," said Hobson, turning to her, "we have neither of us + +anything to reproach ourselves with. No one can find fault with us. Nature alone + +is to blame. The earthquake cut off our communication with the mainland, and + +converted our peninsula into a floating island, and this explains why the furred + +and other animals imprisoned like ourselves, have become so numerous round the + +fort!"</p> + +<p>"This, too, is why the rivals you so much dreaded have not visited us, + +Lieutenant!" exclaimed Madge.</p> + +<p>"And this," added the Sergeant, "accounts for the non-arrival of the convoy + +sent to Cape Bathurst by Captain Craventy."</p> + +<p>"And this is why," said Mrs. Barnett, looking at the Lieutenant, "I must give + +up all hope of returning to Europe this year at least!"</p> + +<p>The tone of voice in which the lady made this last remark showed that she + +resigned herself to her fate more readily than could have been expected. She + +seemed suddenly to have made up her mind to make the best of the situation, + +which would no doubt give her an opportunity of making a great many interesting + +observations. And after all, what good would grumbling have done? Recriminations + +were worse than useless. They could not have altered their position, or have + +checked the course of the wandering island, and there was no means of reuniting + +it to a continent. No; God alone could decide the future of Fort Hope. They must + +bow to His will.</p> +<a name="BII" id="BII"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER II.</h4> + +<h4><i>WHERE ARE WE?</i></h4> + +<p>It was necessary carefully to study the unexpected and novel situation in + +which the agents of the Company now found themselves, and Hobson did so with his + +chart before him.</p> + +<p>He could not ascertain the longitude of Victoria Island-the original name + +being retained-until the next day, and the latitude had already been taken. For + +the longitude, the altitude of the sun must be ascertained before and after + +noon, and two hour angles must be measured.</p> + +<p>At two o'clock P.M. Hobson and Black took the height of the sun above the + +horizon with the sextant, and they hoped to recommence the same operation the + +next morning towards ten o'clock A.M., so as to be able to infer from the two + +altitudes obtained the exact point of the Arctic Ocean then occupied by their + +island.</p> + +<p>The party did not, however, at once return to the fort, but remained talking + +together for some little time on the promontory. Madge declared she was quite + +resigned, and evidently thought only of her mistress, at whom she could not look + +without emotion; she could not bear to think of the sufferings and trials her + +"dear girl" might have to go through in the future. She was ready to lay down + +her life for "Paulina," but what good could that do now. She knew, however, that + +Mrs Barnett was not a woman to sink under her misfortunes, and indeed at present + +there was really no need for any one to despair.</p> + +<p>There was no immediate danger to be dreaded, and a catastrophe might even yet + +be avoided. This Hobson carefully explained to his companions.</p> + +<p>Two dangers threatened the island floating along the coast of North America, + +only two.</p> + +<p>It would be drawn by the currents of the open sea to the high Polar + +latitudes, from which there is no return.</p> + +<p>Or the current would take it to the south, perhaps through the Behring Strait + +into the Pacific Ocean.</p> + +<p>In the former contingency, the colonists, shut in by ice and surrounded by + +impassable icebergs, would have no means of communication with their + +fellow-creatures, and would die of cold and hunger in the solitudes of the + +north.</p> + +<p>In the latter contingency, Victoria Island, driven by the currents to the + +western waters of the Pacific, would gradually melt and go to pieces beneath the + +feet of its inhabitants.</p> + +<p>In either case death would await the Lieutenant and his companions, and the + +fort, erected at the cost of so much labour and suffering, would be + +destroyed.</p> + +<p>But it was scarcely probable that either of these events would happen. The + +season was already considerably advanced, and in less than three months the sea + +would again be rendered motion less by the icy hand of the Polar winter. The + +ocean would again be converted into an ice-field, and by means of sledges they + +might get to the nearest land-the coast of Russian America if the island + +remained in the east, or the coast of Asia if it were driven to the west.</p> + +<p>"For," added Hobson, "we have absolutely no control over our floating island. + +Having no sail to hoist, as in a boat, we cannot guide it in the least. Where it + +takes us we must go."</p> + +<p>All that Hobson said was clear, concise, and to the point. There could be no + +doubt that the bitter cold of winter would solder Victoria Island to the vast + +ice-field, and it was highly probable that it would drift neither too far north + +nor too far eouth. To have to cross a few hundred miles of ice was no such + +terrible prospect for brave and resolute men accustomed to long excursions in + +the Arctic regions. It would be necessary, it was true, to abandon Fort Hope-the + +object of so many hopes, and to lose the benefit of all their exertions, but + +what of that? The factory, built upon a shifting soil, could be of no further + +use to the Company. Sooner or later it would be swallowed up by the ocean, and + +what was the good of useless regrets? It must, therefore, be deserted as soon as + +circumstances should permit.</p> + +<p>The only thing against the safety of the colonists was-and the Lieutenant + +dwelt long on this point-that during the eight or nine weeks which must elapse + +before the solidification of the Arctic Ocean, Victoria Island might be dragged + +too far north or south.</p> + +<p>Arctic explorers had often told of pieces of ice being drifted an immense + +distance without any possibility of stopping them.</p> + +<p>Everything then depended on the force and direction of the currents from the + +opening of Behring Strait; and it would be necessary carefully to ascertain all + +that a chart of the Arctic Ocean could tell. Hobson had such a chart, and + +invited all who were with him on the cape to come to his room and look at it; + +but before going down to the fort he once more urged upon them the necessity of + +keeping their situation a secret.</p> + +<p>"It is not yet desperate," he said, "and it is therefore quite unnecessary to + +damp the spirits of our comrades, who will perhaps not be able to understand, as + +we do, all the chances in our favour."</p> + +<p>"Would it not be prudent to build a boat large enough to hold us all, and + +strong enough to carry us a few hundred miles over the sea?" observed Mrs + +Barnett.</p> + +<p>"It would be prudent certainly," said Hobson, "and we will do it. I must + +think of some pretext for beginning the work at once, and give the necessary + +orders to the head carpenter. But taking to a boat can only be a forlorn hope + +when everything else has failed. We must try all we can to avoid being on the + +island when the ice breaks up, and we must make for the mainland as soon as ever + +the sea is frozen over."</p> + +<p>Hobson was right. It would take about three months to build a thirty or + +thirty-five ton vessel, and the sea would not be open when it was finished. It + +would be very dangerous to embark the whole party when the ice was breaking up + +all round, and he would be well out of his difficulties if he could get across + +the ice to firm ground before the next thaw set in. This was why Hobson thought + +a boat a forlorn hope, a desperate makeshift, and every one agreed with him.</p> + +<p>Secrecy was once more promised, for it was felt that Hobson was the best + +judge of the matter, and a few minutes later the five conspirators were seated + +together in the large room of Fort Hope, which was then deserted, eagerly + +examining an excellent map of the oceanic and atmospheric currents of the Arctic + +Ocean, special attention being naturally given to that part of the Polar Sea + +between Cape Bathurst and Behring Strait.</p> + +<p>Two principal currents divide the dangerous latitudes comprehended between + +the Polar Circle and the imperfectly known zone, called the North-West Passage + +since McClure's daring discovery-at least only two have been hitherto noticed by + +marine surveyors.</p> + +<p>One is called the Kamtchatka Current. It takes its rise in the offing outside + +the peninsula of that name, follows the coast of Asia, and passes through + +Behring Strait, touching Cape East, a promontory of Siberia. After running due + +north for about six hundred miles from the strait, it turns suddenly to the + +east, pretty nearly following the same parallel as McClure's Passage, and + +probably doing much to keep that communication open for a few mouths in the warm + +season.</p> + +<p>The other current, called Behring Current, flows just the other way. After + +running from east to west at about a hundred miles at the most from the coast, + +it comes into collision, so to speak, with the Kamtchatka Current at the opening + +of the strait, and turning to the south approaches the shores of Russian + +America, crosses Behring Sea, and finally breaks on the kind of circular dam + +formed by the Aleutian Islands.</p> + +<p>Hobson's map gave a very exact summary of the most recent nautical + +observations, so that it could be relied on.</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant examined it carefully before speaking, and then pressing his + +hand to his head, as if oppressed by some sad presentiment, he observed-</p> + +<p>"Let us hope that fate will not take us to remote northern latitudes. Our + +wandering island would run a risk of never returning."</p> + +<p>"Why, Lieutenant?" broke in Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>"Why, madam?" replied Hobson; "look well at this part of the Arctic Ocean, + +and you will readily understand why. Two currents, both dangerous for us, run + +opposite ways. When they meet, the island must necessarily become stationary, + +and that at a great distance from any land. At that point it will have to remain + +for the winter, and when the next thaw sets in, it will either follow the + +Kamtchatka Current to the deserted regions of the north-west, or it will float + +down with the Behring Current to be swallowed up by the Pacific Ocean."</p> + +<p>"That will not happen, Lieutenant," said Madge in a tone of earnest + +conviction; "God would never permit that."</p> + +<p>"I can't make out," said Mrs Barnett, "whereabouts in the Polar Sea we are at + +this moment; for I see but one current from the offing of Cape Bathurst which + +bears directly to the north-west, and that is the dangerous Kamtchatka Current. + +Are you not afraid that it has us in its fatal embrace, and is carrying us with + +it to the shores of North Georgia?"</p> + +<p>"I think not," replied Hobson, after a moment's reflection.</p> + +<p>"Why not?"</p> + +<p>"Because it is a very rapid current, madam; and if we had been following it + +for three months, we should have had some land in sight by this time, and there + +is none, absolutely none!"</p> + +<p>"Where, then, do you suppose we are?" inquired Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>"Most likely between the Kamtchatka Current and the coast, perhaps in some + +vast eddy unmarked upon the map."</p> + +<p>"That cannot be, Lieutenant," replied Mrs Barnett, quickly.</p> + +<p>"Why not, madam, why not?"</p> + +<p>"Because if Victoria Island were in an eddy, it would have veered round to a + +certain extent, and our position with regard to the cardinal points would have + +changed in the last three months, which is certainly not the case."</p> + +<p>"You are right, madam, you are quite right. The only explanation I can think + +of is, that there is some other current, not marked on our map. Oh, that to + +morrow were here that I might find out our longitude; really this uncertainty is + +terrible!"</p> + +<p>"To-morrow will come," observed Madge.</p> + +<p>There was nothing to do but to wait. The party therefore separated, all + +returning to their ordinary occupations. Sergeant Long informed his comrades + +that the departure for Fort Reliance, fixed for the next day, was put off. He + +gave as reasons that the season was too far advanced to get to the southern + +factory before the great cold set in, that the astronomer was anxious to + +complete his meteorological observations, and would therefore submit to another + +winter in the north, that game was so plentiful provisions from Fort Reliance + +were not needed. &c., &c. But about all these matters the brave fellows + +cared little.</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Hobson ordered his men to spare the furred animals in future, and + +only to kill edible game, so as to lay up fresh stores for the coming winter; he + +also forbade them to go more than two miles from the fort, not wishing Marbre + +and Sabine to come suddenly upon a sea-horizon, where the isthmus connecting the + +peninsula of Victoria with the mainland was visible a few months before. The + +disappearance of the neck of land would inevitably have betrayed everything.</p> + +<p>The day appeared endless to Lieutenant Hobson. Again and again he returned to + +Cape Bathurst either alone, or accompanied by Mrs Barnett. The latter, inured to + +danger, showed no fear; she even joked the Lieutenant about his floating island + +being perhaps, after all, the proper conveyance for going to the North Pole. + +"With a favourable current might they not reach that hitherto inaccessible point + +of the globe?"</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Hobson shook his head as he listened to his companion's fancy, and + +kept his eyes fixed upon the horizon, hoping to catch a glimpse of some land, no + +matter what, in the distance. But no, sea and sky met in an absolutely unbroken + +circular line, confirming Hobson's opinion that Victoria Island was drifting to + +the west rather than in any other direction.</p> + +<p>"Lieutenant," at last said Mrs Barnett, "don't you mean to make a tour of our + +island as soon as possible?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, madam, of course; as soon as I have taken our bearings, I mean to + +ascertain the form and extent of our dominions. It seems, however, that the + +fracture was made at the isthmus itself, so that the whole peninsula has become + +an island."</p> + +<p>"A strange destiny is ours, Lieutenant," said Mrs Barnett. "Others return + +from their travels to add new districts to geographical maps, but we shall have + +to efface the supposed peninsula of Victoria!"</p> + +<p>The next day, July 18th, the sky was very clear, and at ten o'clock in the + +morning Hobson obtained a satisfactory altitude of the sun, and, comparing it + +with that of the observation of the day before, he ascertained exactly the + +longitude in which they were.</p> + +<p>The island was then in 157? 37' longitude west from Greenwich.</p> + +<p>The latitude obtained the day before at noon almost immediately after the + +eclipse was, as we know, 73? 7' 20" north.</p> + +<p>The spot was looked out on the map in the presence of Mrs Barnett and + +Sergeant Long.</p> + +<p>It was indeed a most anxious moment, and the following result was arrived + +at.</p> + +<p>The wandering island was moving in a westerly direction, borne along by a + +current unmarked on the chart, and unknown to hydrographers, which was evidently + +carrying it towards Behring Strait. All the dangers foreseen by Hobson were then + +imminent, if Victoria Island did not again touch the mainland before the + +winter.</p> + +<p>"But how far are we from the American continent? that is the most important + +point just at present," said Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>Hobson took his compasses, and carefully measured the narrowest part of the + +sea between the coast and the seventieth parallel.</p> + +<p>"We are actually more than two hundred and fifty miles from Point Barrow, the + +northernmost extremity of Russian America," he replied.</p> + +<p>"We ought to know, then, how many miles the island has drifted since it left + +the mainland," said Sergeant Long.</p> + +<p>"Seven hundred miles at least," replied Hobson, after having again consulted + +the chart.</p> + +<p>"And at about what time do you suppose the drifting commenced?"</p> + +<p>"Most likely towards the end of April; the ice-field broke up then, and the + +icebergs which escaped melting drew back to the north. We may, therefore, + +conclude that Victoria Island has been moving along with the current parallel + +with the coast at an average rate of ten miles a day."</p> + +<p>"No very rapid pace after all!" exclaimed Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>"Too fast, madam, when you think where we may be taken during the two months + +in which the sea will remain open in this part of the Arctic Ocean."</p> + +<p>The three friends remained silent, and looked fixedly at the chart of the + +fearful Polar regions, towards which they were being irresistibly drawn, and + +which have hitherto successfully resisted all attempts to explore them.</p> + +<p>"There is, then, nothing to be done? Nothing to try?" said Mrs Barnett after + +a pause.</p> + +<p>"Nothing, madam," replied Hobson; "nothing whatever. We must wait; we must + +all pray for the speedy arrival of the Arctic winter generally so much dreaded + +by sailors, but which alone can save us now. The winter will bring ice, our only + +anchor of salvation, the only power which can arrest the course of this + +wandering island."</p> +<a name="BIII" id="BIII"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER III.</h4> + +<h4><i>A TOUR OF THE ISLAND</i>.</h4> + +<p>From that day, July 18th, it was decided that the bearings should be taken as + +on board a vessel whenever the state of the atmosphere rendered the operation + +possible. Was not the island, in fact, a disabled ship, tossed about without + +sails or helm.</p> + +<p>The next day after taking the bearings, Hobson announced that without change + +of latitude the island had advanced several miles farther west. Mac-Nab was + +ordered to commence the construction of a huge boat, Hobson telling him, in + +explanation, that he proposed making a reconnaissance of the coast as far as + +Russian America next summer. The carpenter asked no further questions, but + +proceeded to choose his wood, and fixed upon the beach at the foot of Cape + +Bathurst as his dockyard, so that he might easily be able to launch his + +vessel.</p> + +<p>Hobson intended to set out the same day on his excursion round the island in + +which he and his comrades were imprisoned. Many changes might take place in the + +configuration of this sheet of ice, subject as it was to the influence of the + +variable temperature of the waves, and it was important to determine its actual + +form at the present time, its area, and its thickness in different parts. The + +point of rupture, which was most likely at the isthmus itself, ought to be + +examined with special care; the fracture being still fresh, it might be possible + +to ascertain the exact arrangement of the stratified layers of ice and earth of + +which the soil of the island was composed.</p> + +<p>But in the afternoon the sky clouded over suddenly, and a violent squall, + +accompanied with thick mists, swept down upon the fort. Presently torrents of + +rain fell, and large hailstones rattled on the roof, whilst a few distant claps + +of thunder were heard, a phenomenon of exceedingly rare occurrence in such + +elevated latitudes.</p> + +<p>Hobson was obliged to put off his trip, and wait until the fury of the + +elements abated, but during the 20th, 2lst, and 22d July, no change occurred. + +The storm raged, the floods of heaven were let loose, and the waves broke upon + +the beach with a deafening roar. Liquid avalanches were flung with such force + +upon Cape Bathurst, that there was reason to dread that it might give way; its + +stability was, in fact, somewhat problematical, as it consisted merely of an + +aggregation of sand and earth, without any firm foundation. Vessels at sea might + +well be pitied in this fearful gale, but the floating island was of too vast a + +bulk to be affected by the agitation of the waves, and remained indifferent to + +their fury.</p> + +<p>During the night of the 22d July the tempest suddenly ceased. A strong breeze + +from the north-east dispelled the last mists upon the horizon. The barometer + +rose a few degrees, and the weather appeared likely to favour Hobson's + +expedition.</p> + +<p>He was to be accompanied by Mrs Barnett and Sergeant Long, and expected to be + +absent a day or two. The little party took some salt meat, biscuits, and a few + +flasks of rum with them, and there was nothing in their excursion to surprise + +the rest of the colonists. The days were just then very long, the sun only + +disappearing below the horizon for a few hours.</p> + +<p>There were no wild animals to be feared now. The bears seemed to have fled by + +instinct from the peninsula whilst it was still connected with the mainland, but + +to neglect no precaution each of the three explorers was provided with a gun. + +The Lieutenant and his subordinate also carried hatchets and ice-chisels, which + +a traveller in the Polar regions should never be without.</p> + +<p>During the absence of the Lieutenant and the Sergeant, the command of the + +fort fell to Corporal Joliffe, or rather to his little wife, and Hobson knew + +that he could trust her. Thomas Black could not be depended on; he would not + +even join the exploring party; he promised, however, to watch the northern + +latitudes very carefully, and to note any change which should take place in the + +sea or the position of the cape during the absence of the Lieutenant.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett had endeavoured to reason with the unfortunate astronomer, but he + +would listen to nothing. He felt that Nature had deceived him, and that he could + +never forgive her.</p> + +<p>After many a hearty farewell, the Lieutenant and his two companions left the + +fort by the postern gate, and, turning to the west, followed the lengthened + +curve of the coast between Capes Bathurst and Esquimaux.</p> + +<p>It was eight o'clock in the morning; the oblique rays of the sun struck upon + +the beach, and touched it with many a brilliant tint, the angry billows of the + +sea were sinking to rest, and the birds, ptarmigans, guillemots, puffins, and + +petrels, driven away by the storm, were returning by thousands. Troops of ducks + +were hastening back to Lake Barnett, flying close, although they knew it not, to + +Mrs Joliffe's saucepan. Polar hares, martens, musk rats, and ermines rose before + +the travellers and fled at their approach, but not with any great appearance of + +haste or terror. The animals evidently felt drawn towards their old enemies by a + +common danger.</p> + +<p>"They know well enough that they are hemmed in by the sea and cannot quit the + +island," observed Hobson.</p> + +<p>"They are all in the habit of seeking warmer climates in the south in the + +winter, are they not?" inquired Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>"Yes, madam, but unless they are presently able to cross the ice-field, they + +will have to remain prisoners like ourselves, and I am afraid the greater number + +will die of cold or hunger.</p> + +<p>"I hope they will be good enough to supply us with food for a long time," + +observed the Sergeant," and I think it is very fortunate that they had not the + +sense to run away before the rupture of the isthmus."</p> + +<p>"The birds will, however, leave us?" added Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>"Oh yes, madam, everything with wings will go, they can traverse long + +distances without fatigue, and, more fortunate than ourselves, they will regain + +<i>terra firma</i>."</p> + +<p>"Could we not use them as messengers?" asked Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>"A good idea, madam, a capital idea," said Hobson. "We might easily catch + +some hundreds of these birds, and tie a paper round their necks with our exact + +situation written upon it. John Ross in 1848 tried similar means to acquaint the + +survivors of the Franklin expedition with the presence of his ships, the + +<i>Enterprise</i> and the <i>Investigator</i> in the Polar seas. He caught some + +hundreds of white foxes in traps, rivetted a copper collar round the neck of + +each with all the necessary information engraved upon it, and then set them free + +in every direction."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps some of the messengers may have fallen into the hands of the + +shipwrecked wanderers."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps so," replied Hobson; "I know that an old fox was taken by Captain + +Hatteras during his voyage of discovery, wearing a collar half worn away and + +hidden beneath his thick white fur. What we cannot do with the quadrupeds, we + +will do with the birds."</p> + +<p>Chatting thus and laying plans for the future, the three explorers continued + +to follow the coast. They noticed no change; the abrupt cliffs covered with + +earth and sand showed no signs of a recent alteration in the extent of the + +island. It was, however, to be feared that the vast sheet of ice would be worn + +away at the base by the action of the warm currents, and on this point Hobson + +was naturally anxious.</p> + +<p>By eleven o'clock in the morning the eight miles between Capes Bathurst and + +Esquimaux had been traversed. A few traces of the encampment of Kalumah's party + +still remained; of course the snow huts had entirely disappeared, but some + +cinders and walrus bones marked the spot.</p> + +<p>The three explorers halted here for a short time, they intended to pass the + +few short hours of the night at Walruses' Bay, which they hoped to reach In a + +few hours. They breakfasted seated on a slightly rising ground covered with a + +scanty and stunted herbage. Before their eyes lay the ocean bounded by a + +clearly-defined sea-horizon, without a sail or an iceberg to break the monotony + +of the vast expanse of water.</p> + +<p>"Should you be very much surprised if some vessel came In sight now, + +Lieutenant?" inquired Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>"I should be very agreeably surprised, madam," replied Hobson. "It is not at + +all uncommon for whalers to come as far north as this, especially now that the + +Arctic Ocean is frequented by whales and chacholots, but you must remember that + +it is the 23rd July, and the summer is far advanced. The whole fleet of whaling + +vessels is probably now in Gulf Kotzebue, at the entrance to the strait. Whalers + +shun the sudden changes in the Arctic Ocean, and with good reason. They dread + +being shut in the ice; and the icebergs, avalanches, and, ice-fields they avoid, + +are the very things for which we earnestly pray."</p> + +<p>"They will come, Lieutenant," said Long; "have patience, in another two + +months the waves will no longer break upon the shores of Cape Esquimaux."</p> + +<p>"Cape Esquimaux!" observed Mrs Barnett with a smile. "That name, like those + +we gave to the other parts of the peninsula, may turn out unfortunate too. We + +have lost Port Barnett and Paulina River; who can tell whether Cape Esquimaux + +and Walruses' Bay may not also disappear in time?"</p> + +<p>"They too will disappear, madam," replied Hobson, "and after them the whole + +of Victoria Island, for nothing now connects it with a continent, and it is + +doomed to destruction. This result is inevitable, and our choice of geographical + +names will be thrown away; but fortunately the Royal Society has not yet adopted + +them, and Sir Roderick Murchison will have nothing to efface on his maps."</p> + +<p>"One name he will," exclaimed the Sergeant.</p> + +<p>"Which?" inquired Hobson.</p> + +<p>"Cape Bathurst," replied Long.</p> + +<p>"Ah, yes, you are right. Cape Bathurst must now be removed from maps of the + +Polar regions."</p> + +<p>Two hours' rest were all the explorers cared for, and at one o'clock they + +prepared to resume their journey.</p> + +<p>Before starting Hobson once more looked round him from the summit of Cape + +Esquimaux; but seeing nothing worthy of notice, he rejoined Mrs Barnett and + +Sergeant Long.</p> + +<p>"Madam," he said, addressing the lady, "you have not forgotten the family of + +natives we met here last winter?"</p> + +<p>"Oh no, I have always held dear little Kalumah in friendly remembrance. She + +promised to come and see us again at Fort Hope, but she will not be able to do + +so. But why do you ask me about the natives now?"</p> + +<p>"Because I remember something to which, much to my regret, I did not at the + +time attach sufficient importance."</p> + +<p>"What was that?"</p> + +<p>"You remember the uneasy surprise the men manifested at finding a big a + +factory at the foot of Cape Bathurst."</p> + +<p>"Oh yes, perfectly."</p> + +<p>"You remember that I tried to make out what the natives meant, and that I + +could not do so?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I remember."</p> + +<p>"Well," added Hobsou, "I know now why they shook their heads. From tradition, + +experience, or something, the Esquimaux knew what the peninsula really was, they + +knew we had not built on firm ground. But as things had probably remained as + +they were for centuries, they thought there was no immediate danger, and that it + +was not worth while to explain themselves."</p> + +<p>"Very likely you are right," replied Mrs Barnett; "but I feel sure that + +Kalumah had no suspicion of her companion's fears, or she would have warned + +us."</p> + +<p>Hobson quite agreed with Mrs Barnett, and Sergeant Long observed-</p> + +<p>"It really seems to have been by a kind of fatality that we settled ourselves + +upon this peninsula just before it was torn away from the mainland. I suppose, + +Lieutenant, that it had been connected for a very long time, perhaps for + +centuries."</p> + +<p>"You might say for thousands and thousands of years, Sergeant," replied + +Hobson. "Remember that the soil on which we are treading has been brought here + +by the wind, little by little, that the sand has accumulated grain by grain! + +Think of the time it must have taken for the seeds of firs, willows, and arbutus + +to become shrubs and trees! Perhaps the sheet of ice on which we float was + +welded to the continent before the creation of man!"</p> + +<p>"Well," cried Long, "it really might have waited a few centuries longer + +before it drifted. How much anxiety and how many dangers we might then have been + +spared!"</p> + +<p>Sergeant Long's most sensible remark closed the conversation, and the journey + +was resumed.</p> + +<p>From Cape Esquimaux to Walruses' Bay the coast ran almost due south, + +following the one hundred and twenty-seventh meridian. Looking behind them they + +could see one corner of the lagoon, its waters sparkling in the sunbeams, and a + +little beyond the wooded heights in which it was framed. Large eagles soared + +above their heads, their cries and the loud flapping of their wings breaking the + +stillness, and furred animals of many kinds, martens, polecats, ermines, + +&c., crouching behind some rising ground, or hiding amongst the stunted + +bushes and willows, gazed inquiringly at the intruders. They seemed to + +understand that they had nothing to fear. Hobson caught a glimpse of a few + +beavers wandering about, evidently ill at ease, and puzzled at the disappearance + +of the little river. With no ledges to shelter them, and no stream by which to + +build a new home, they were doomed to die of cold when the severe frost set in. + +Sergeant Long also saw a troop of wolves crossing the plain.</p> + +<p>It was evident that specimens of the whole Arctic Fauna were imprisoned on + +the island, and there was every reason to fear that, when famished with hunger, + +all the carnivorous beasts would be formidable enemies to the occupants of Fort + +Hope.</p> + +<p>Fortunately, however, one race of animals appeared to be quite unrepresented. + +Not a single white bear was seen! Once the Sergeant thought he saw an enormous + +white mass moving about on the other side of a clump of willows, but on close + +examination decided that he was mistaken.</p> + +<p>The coast near Walruses' Bay was, on the whole, only slightly elevated above + +the sea-level, and in the distance the waves broke into running foam as they do + +upon a sloping beach. It was to be feared that the soil had little stability, + +but there was no means of judging of the modifications which had taken place + +since their last visit, and Hobson much regretted that he had not made bench + +marks about Cape Bathurst before he left, that he might judge of the amount of + +sinking or depression which took place. He determined, however, to take this + +precaution on his return.</p> + +<p>It will be understood that, under the circumstances, the party did not + +advance very rapidly. A pause was often made to examine the soil, or to see if + +there were any sign of an approaching fracture on the coast, and sometimes the + +explorers wandered inland for half a mile. Here and there the Sergeant planted + +branches of willow or birch to serve as landmarks for the future, especially + +wherever undermining seemed to be going on rapidly and the solidity of the + +ground was doubtful. By this means it would be easy to ascertain the changes + +which might take place.</p> + +<p>They did advance, however, and at three o'clock in the afternoon they were + +only three miles from Walruses' Bay, and Hobson called Mrs Barnett's attention + +to the important changes which had been effected by the rupture of the + +isthmus.</p> + +<p>Formerly the south-western horizon was shut in by a long slightly curved + +coast-line, formed by the shores of Liverpool Bay. Now a sea-line bounded the + +view, the continent having disappeared. Victoria Island ended in an abrupt angle + +where it had broken off, and all felt sure that on turning round that angle the + +ocean would be spread out before them, and that its waves would bathe the whole + +of the southern side of the island, which was once the connecting-link between + +Walruses' Bay and Washburn Bay.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett could not look at the changed aspect of the scene without + +emotion. She had expected it, and yet her heart beat almost audibly. She gazed + +across the sea for the missing continent, which was now left several hundred + +miles behind, and it rushed upon her mind with a fresh shock that she would + +never set foot on America again. Her agitation was indeed excusable, and it was + +shared by the Lieutenant and the Sergeant.</p> + +<p>All quickened their steps, eager to reach the abrupt angle in the south. The + +ground rose slightly as they advanced, and the layers of earth and sand became + +thicker; this of course was explained by the former proximity of this part of + +the coast to the true continent. The thickness of the crust of ice and of the + +layer of earth at the point of junction increasing, as it probably did, every + +century, explained the long resistance of the isthmus, which nothing but some + +extraordinary convulsion could have overcome. Such a convulsion was the + +earthquake of the 8th January, which, although it had only affected the + +continent of North America, had sufficed to break the connecting-link, and to + +launch Victoria Island upon the wide ocean.</p> + +<p>At four o'clock P.M., the angle was reached. Walruses' Bay, formed by an + +indentation of the firm ground, had disappeared! It had remained behind with the + +continent</p> + +<p>"By my faith, madam!" exclaimed the Sergeant, "it's lucky for you we didn't + +call it Paulina Barnett Bay!"</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied the lady, "I begin to think I am an unlucky godmother for + +newly-discovered places."</p> +<a name="BIV" id="BIV"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER IV.</h4> + +<h4><i>A NIGHT ENCAMPMENT.</i></h4> + +<p>And so Hobson had not been mistaken about the point of rupture. It was the + +isthmus which had yielded in the shock of the earthquake. Not a trace was to be + +seen of the American continent, not a single cliff, even the volcano on the west + +had disappeared. Nothing but the sea everywhere.</p> + +<p>The island on this side ended in a cape, coming to an almost sharp point, and + +it was evident that the substratum of ice, fretted by the warmer waters of the + +current and exposed to all the fury of the elements, must rapidly dissolve.</p> + +<p>The explorers resumed their march, following the course of the fracture, + +which ran from west to east in an almost straight line. Its edges were not + +jagged or broken, but clear cut, as if the division had been made with a sharp + +instrument, and here and there the conformation of the soil could be easily + +examined. The banks- half ice, half sand and earth-rose some ten feet from the + +water. They were perfectly perpendicular, without the slightest slope, and in + +some places there were traces of recent landslips. Sergeant Long pointed to + +several small blocks of ice floating in the offing, and rapidly melting, which + +had evidently been broken off from their island. The action of the warm surf + +would, of course, soon eat away the new coast-line, which time had not yet + +clothed with a kind of cement of snow and sand, such as covered the rest of the + +beach, and altogether the state of things was very far from reassuring.</p> + +<p>Before taking any rest, Mrs Barnett, Hobson, and Long, were anxious to finish + +their examination of the southern edge of the island. There would be plenty of + +daylight, for the sun would not set until eleven o'clock P.M. The briliant orb + +of day was slowly advancing along the western horizon, and its oblique rays cast + +long shadows of themselves before the explorers, who conversed at intervals + +after long silent pauses, during which they gazed at the sea and thought of the + +dark future before them.</p> + +<p>Hobson intended to encamp for the night at Washburn Bay. When there eighteen + +miles would have been traversed, and, if he were not mistaken, half his circular + +journey would be accomplished. After a few hours' repose he meant to return to + +Fort Hope along the western coast.</p> + +<p>No fresh incident marked the exploration of the short distance between + +Walruses' Bay and Washburn Bay, and at seven o'clock in the evening the spot + +chosen for the encampment was reached. A similar change had taken place here. Of + +Washburn Bay, nothing remained but the curve formed by the coast-line of the + +island, and which was once its northern boundary. It stretched away without a + +break for seven miles to the cape they had named Cape Michael. This side of the + +island did not appear to have suffered at all in consequence of the rupture. The + +thickets of pine and birch, massed a little behind the cape, were in their + +fullest beauty at this time of year, and a good many furred animals were + +disporting themselves on the plain.</p> + +<p>A halt was made at Washburn Bay, and the explorers were able to enjoy an + +extended view on the south, although they could not see any great distance on + +the north. The sun was so low on the horizon, that its rays were intercepted by + +the rising ground on the west, and did not reach the little bay. It was not, + +however, yet night, nor could it be called twilight, as the sun had not set.</p> + +<p>"Lieutenant," said Long, "if by some miracle a bell were now to ring, what do + +you suppose it would mean?"</p> + +<p>"That it was supper-time," replied Hobson. "Don't you agree with me, Mrs + +Barnett?"</p> + +<p>"Indeed I do," replied the lady addressed, "and as our cloth is spread for + +us, let us sit down. This moss, although slightly worn, will suit us admirably, + +and was evidently intended for us by Providence."</p> + +<p>The bag of provisions was opened; some salt meat, a hare pate from Mrs + +Joliffe's larder, with a few biscuits, formed their frugal supper.</p> + +<p>The meal was quickly over, and Hobson returned to the southwest angle of the + +island, whilst Mrs Barnett rested at the foot of a low fir tree, and Sergeant + +Long made ready the night quarters.</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant was anxious to examine the piece of ice which formed the + +island, to ascertain, if possible, something of its structure. A little bank, + +produced by a landslip, enabled him to step down to the level of the sea, and + +from there he was able to look closely at the steep wall which formed the coast. + +Where he stood the soil rose scarcely three feet above the water. The upper part + +consisted of a thin layer of earth and sand mixed with crushed shells; and the + +lower of hard, compact, and, if we may so express it, "metallic" ice, strong + +enough to support the upper soil of the island.</p> + +<p>This layer of ice was not more than one foot above the sea-level. In + +consequence of the recent fracture, it was easy to see the regular disposition + +of the sheets of ice piled up horizontally, and which had evidently been + +produced by successive frosts in comparatively quieter waters.</p> + +<p>We know that freezing commences on the surface of liquids, and as the cold + +increases, the thickness of the crust becomes greater, the solidification + +proceeding from the top downwards. That at least is the case in waters that are + +at rest; it has, however, been observed that the very reverse is the case in + +running waters-the ice forming at the bottom, and subsequently rising to the + +surface.</p> + +<p>It was evident, then, that the floe which formed the foundation of Victoria + +Island had been formed in calm waters on the shores of the North American + +continent. The freezing had evidently commenced on the surface, and the thaw + +would begin at the bottom, according to a well-known law; so that the ice-field + +would gradually decrease in weight as it became thawed by the warmer waters + +through which it was passing, and the general level of the island would sink in + +proportion.</p> + +<p>This was the great danger.</p> + +<p>As we have just stated, Hobson noticed that the solid ice, the ice-field + +properly so called, was only about one foot above the sea-level! We know that + +four-fifths of a floating mass of ice are always submerged. For one foot of an + +iceberg or ice-field above the water, there are four below it. It must, however, + +be remarked that the density, or rather specific weight of floating ice, varies + +considerably according to its mode of formation or origin. The ice-masses which + +proceed from sea water, porous, opaque, and tinged with blue or green, according + +as they are struck by the rays of the sun, are lighter than ice formed from + +fresh water. All things considered, and making due allowance for the weight of + +the mineral and vegetable layer above the ice. Hobson concluded it to be about + +four or five feet thick below the sea-level. The different declivities of the + +island, the little hills and rising ground, would of course only affect the + +upper soil, and it might reasonably be supposed that the wandering island was + +not immersed more than five feet.</p> + +<p>This made Hobson very anxious. Only five feet! Setting aside the causes of + +dissolution to which the ice-field might be subjected, would not the slightest + +shock cause a rupture of the surface? Might not a rough sea or a gale of wind + +cause a dislocation of the ice-field, which would lead to its breaking up into + +small portions, and to its final decomposition? Oh for the speedy arrival of the + +winter, with its bitter cold! Would that the column of mercury were frozen in + +its cistern! Nothing but the rigour of an Arctic winter could consolidate and + +thicken the foundation of their island, and establish a means of communication + +between it and the continent.</p> + +<p>Hobson returned to the halting-place little cheered by his discoveries, and + +found Long busy making arrangements for the night; for he had no idea of + +sleeping beneath the open sky, although Mrs Barnett declared herself quite ready + +to do so. He told the Lieutenant that he intended to dig a hole in the ice big + +enough to hold three persons-in fact to make a kind of snow-hut, in which they + +would be protected from the cold night air.</p> + +<p>"In the land of the Esquimaux," he said, "nothing is wiser than to do as the + +Esquimaux do."</p> + +<p>Hobson approved, but advised the Sergeant not to dig too deeply, as the ice + +was not more than five feet thick.</p> + +<p>Long set to work. With the aid of his hatchet and ice-chisel he had soon + +cleared away the earth, and hollowed out a kind of passage sloping gently down + +to the crust of ice.</p> + +<p>He next attacked the brittle mass, which had been covered over with sand and + +earth for so many centuries. It would not take more than an hour to hollow out a + +subterranean retreat, or rather a burrow with walls of ice, which would keep in + +the heat, and therefore serve well for a resting-place during the short + +night.</p> + +<p>Whilst Long was working away like a white ant, Hobson communicated the result + +of his observations to Mrs Barnett. He did not disguise from her that the + +construction of Victoria Island rendered him very uneasy. He felt sure that the + +thinness of the ice would lead to the opening of ravines on the surface before + +long; where, it would be impossible to foresee, and of course it would be + +equally impossible to prevent them. The wandering Island might at any moment + +settle down in consequence of a change in its specific gravity, or break up into + +more or less numerous islets, the duration of which must necessarily be + +ephemeral. He judged, therefore, that it would be best for the members of the + +colony to keep together as much as possible, and not to leave the fort, that + +they might all share the same chances.</p> + +<p>Hobson was proceeding further to unfold his views when cries for help were + +heard.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett started to her feet, and both looked round in every direction, + +but nothing was to be seen.</p> + +<p>The cries were now redoubled, and Hobson exclaimed-</p> + +<p>"The Sergeant! the Sergeant!"</p> + +<p>And followed by Mrs Barnett, he rushed towards the burrow, and he had + +scarcely reached the opening of the snow-house before he saw Sergeant Long + +clutching with both hands at his knife, which he had stuck in the wall of ice, + +and calling out loudly, although with the most perfect self-possession.</p> + +<p>His head and arms alone were visible. Whilst he was digging, the ice had + +given way suddenly beneath him, and he was plunged into water up to his + +waist.</p> + +<p>Hobson merely said-</p> + +<p>"Keep hold!"</p> + +<p>And creeping through the passage, he was soon at the edge of the hole. The + +poor Sergeant seized his hand, and he was soon rescued from his perilous + +position.</p> + +<p>"Good God! Sergeant!" exclaimed Mrs Barnett; "what has happened?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing," replied Long, shaking himself like a wet spaniel, "except that the + +ice gave way under me, and I took a compulsory bath."</p> + +<p>"You forgot what I told you about not digging too deeply, then," said + +Hobson.</p> + +<p>"Beg pardon, sir; I hadn't cut through fifteen inches of the ice, and I + +expect there was a kind of cavern where I was working-the ice did not touch the + +water. It was just like going through a ceiling. If I hadn't been able to hang + +on by my knife, I should have slipped under the island like a fool, and that + +would have been a pity, wouldn't it, madam?"</p> + +<p>"A very great pity, my brave fellow," said Mrs Barnett, pressing his + +hand.</p> + +<p>Long's explanation was correct; for some reason or another-most likely from + +an accumulation of air-the ice had formed a kind of vault above the water, and + +of course it soon gave way under the weight of the Sergeant and the blows of his + +chisel.</p> + +<p>The same thing might happen in other parts of the island, which was anything + +but reassuring. Where could they be certain of treading on firm ground? Might + +not the earth give way beneath their feet at any minute? What heart, however + +brave, would not have sunk at the thought of the thin partition between them and + +the awful gulf of the ocean?</p> + +<p>Sergeant Long, however, thought but little of his bath, and was ready to + +begin mining in some other place. This Mrs Barnett would not allow. A night in + +the open air would do her no harm; the shelter of the coppice near would be + +protection enough for them all; and Sergeant Long was obliged to submit.</p> + +<p>The camp was, therefore, moved back some thirty yards from the beach, to a + +rising ground on which grew a few clumps of pines and willows which could + +scarcely be called a wood. Towards ten o'clock the disc of the sun began to dip + +below the horizon, and before it disappeared for the few hours of the night a + +crackling fire of dead branches was blazing at the camp.</p> + +<p>Long had now a fine opportunity of drying his legs, of which he gladly + +availed himself. He and Hobson talked together earnestly until twilight set in, + +and Mrs Barnett occasionally joined in the conversation, doing the best she + +could to cheer the disheartened Lieutenant. The sky was bright with stars, and + +the holy influence of the night could not fail to calm his troubled spirit. The + +wind murmured softly amongst the pines; even the sea appeared to be wrapt in + +slumber, its bosom slightly heaving with the swell, which died away upon the + +beach with a faint rippling sound. All creation was hushed, not even the wail of + +a sea bird broke upon the ear, the crisp crackling of the dead branches was + +exchanged for a steady flame, and nothing but the voices of the wanderers broke + +the sublime, the awful silence of the night.</p> + +<p>"Who would imagine," said Mrs Barnett, "that we were floating on the surface + +of the ocean! It really requires an effort to realise it, for the sea which is + +carrying us along in its fatal grasp appears to be absolutely motionless!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, madam," replied Hobson;" and if the floor of our carriage were solid, + +if I did not know that sooner or later the keel of our boat will be missing, + +that some day its hull will burst open, and finally, if I knew where we are + +going, I should rather enjoy floating on the ocean like this."</p> + +<p>"Well, Lieutenant," rejoined Mrs Barnett, "could there be a pleasanter mode + +of travelling than ours? We feel no motion. Our island has exactly the same + +speed as the current which is bearing it away. Is it not like a balloon voyage + +in the air? What could be more delightful than advancing with one's house, + +garden, park, &c.? A wandering island, with a solid insubmersible + +foundation, would really be the most comfortable and wonderful conveyance that + +could possibly be imagined. I have heard of hanging gardens. Perhaps some day + +floating parks will be invented which will carry us all over the globe! Their + +size will render them insensible to the action of the waves, they will have + +nothing to fear from storms, and perhaps with a favourable wind they might be + +guided by means of immense sails! What marvels of vegetation would be spread + +before the eyes of the passengers when they passed from temperate to torrid + +zones! With skilful pilots, well acquainted with the currents, it might be + +possible to remain in one latitude, and enjoy a perpetual spring."</p> + +<p>Hobson could not help smiling at Mrs Barnett's fancies. The brave woman ran + +on with such an easy flow of words, she talked with as little effort as Victoria + +Island moved. And was she not right? It would have been a very pleasant mode of + +travelling if there had been no danger of their conveyance melting and being + +swallowed up by the sea.</p> + +<p>The night passed on, and the explorers slept a few hours. At daybreak they + +breakfasted, and thoroughly enjoyed their meal. The warmth and rest had + +refreshed them, and they resumed their journey at about six o'clock A.M.</p> + +<p>From Cape Michael to the former Port Barnett the coast ran in an almost + +straight line from south to north for about eleven miles. There was nothing + +worthy of note about it; the shores were low and pretty even all the way, and + +seemed to have suffered no alteration since the breaking of the isthmus. Long, + +in obedience to the Lieutenant, made bench marks along the beach, that any + +future change might be easily noted.</p> + +<p>Hobson was naturally anxious to get back to Fort Hope the same day, and Mrs + +Barnett was also eager to return to her friends. It was of course desirable + +under the circumstances that the commanding officer should not be long absent + +from the fort</p> + +<p>All haste was therefore made, and by taking a short cut they arrived at noon + +at the little promontory which formerly protected Port Barnett from the east + +winds.</p> + +<p>It was not more than eight miles from this point to Fort Hope, and before + +four o'clock P.M the shouts of Corporal Joliffe welcomed their return to the + +factory.</p> +<a name="BV" id="BV"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER V.</h4> + +<h4><i>FROM JULY 25TH TO AUGUST 20TH.</i></h4> + +<p>Hobson's first care on his return to the fort, was to make inquiries of + +Thomas Black as to the situation of the little colony. No change had taken place + +for the last twenty-four hours, but, as subsequently appeared, the island had + +floated one degree of latitude further south, whilst still retaining its motion + +towards the west. It was now at the same distance from the equator as Icy Cape, + +a little promontory of western Alaska, and two hundred miles from the American + +coast. The speed of the current seemed to be less here than in the eastern part + +of the Arctic Ocean, but the island continued to advance, and, much to Hobson's + +annoyance, towards the dreaded Behring Strait. It was now only the 24th July, + +and a current of average speed would carry it in another month through the + +strait and into the heated waves of the Pacific, where it would melt "like a + +lump of sugar in a glass of water."</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett acquainted Madge with the result of the exploration of the + +island. She explained to her the arrangement of the layers of earth and ice at + +the part where the isthmus had been broken off; told her that the thickness of + +the ice below the sea level was estimated at five feet; related the accident to + +Sergeant Long-in short, she made her fully understand the reasons there were to + +fear the breaking up or sinking of the ice field.</p> + +<p>The rest of the colony had, however, no suspicion of the truth; a feeling of + +perfect security prevailed. It never occurred to any of the brave fellows that + +Fort Hope was floating above an awful abyss, and that the lives of all its + +inhabitants were in danger. All were in good health, the weather was fine, and + +the climate pleasant and bracing. The baby Michael got on wonderfully; he was + +beginning to toddle about between the house and the palisade; and Corporal + +Joliffe, who was extremely fond of him, was already beginning to teach him to + +hold a gun, and to understand the first duties of a soldier. Oh, if Mrs Joliffe + +would but present him with such a son! but, alas! the blessing of children, for + +which he and his wife prayed every day, was as yet denied to them.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile the soldiers had plenty to do.</p> + +<p>Mac-Nab and his men-Petersen, Belcher, Garry, Pond, and Hope-worked zealously + +at the construction of a boat, a difficult task, likely to occupy them for + +several months. But as their vessel would be of no use until next year after the + +thaw, they neglected none of their duties at the factory on its account. Hobson + +let things go on as if the future of the factory were not compromised, and + +persevered in keeping the men in ignorance. This serious question was often + +discussed by the officer and his "staff," and Mrs Barnett and Madge differed + +from their chief on the subject. They thought it would be better to tell the + +whole truth; the men were brave and energetic, not likely to yield to despair, + +and the shock would not be great if they heard of it now, instead of only when + +their situation was so hopeless that it could not be concealed. But in spite of + +the justice of these remarks, Hobson would not yield, and he was supported by + +Sergeant Long. Perhaps, after all, they were right; they were both men of long + +experience, and knew the temper of their men.</p> + +<p>And so the work of provisioning and strengthening the fort proceeded. The + +palisaded enceinte was repaired with new stakes, and made higher in many places, + +so that it really formed a very strong fortification. Mac-Nab also put into + +execution, with his chief's approval, a plan he had long had at heart. At the + +corners abutting on the lake he built two little pointed sentry-boxes, which + +completed the defences; and Corporal Joliffe anticipated with delight the time + +when he should be sent to relieve guard: he felt that they gave a military look + +to the buildings, and made them really imposing.</p> + +<p>The palisade was now completely finished, and Mac-Nab, remembering the + +sufferings of the last winter, built a new wood shed close up against the house + +itself, with a door of communication inside, so that there would be no need to + +go outside at all. By this contrivance the fuel would always be ready to hand. + +On the left side of the house, opposite the shed, Mac-Nab constructed a large + +sleeping-room for the soldiers, so that the camp-bed could be removed from the + +common room. This room was also to be used for meals, and work. The three + +married couples had private rooms walled off, so that the large house was + +relieved of them as well as of all the other soldiers. A magazine for furs only + +was also erected behind the house near the powder-magazine, leaving the loft + +free for stores; and the rafters and ribs of the latter were bound with iron + +cramps, that they might be able to resist all attacks. Mac-Nab also intended to + +build a little wooden chapel, which had been included in Hobson's original plan + +of the factory; but its erection was put off until the next summer.</p> + +<p>With what eager interest would the Lieutenant have once watched the progress + +of his establishment! Had he been building on firm ground, with what delight + +would he have watched the houses, sheds, and magazines rising around him! He + +remembered the scheme of crowning Cape Bathurst with a redoubt for the + +protection of Fort Hope with a sigh. The very name of the factory, "Fort Hope," + +made his heart sink within him; for should it not more truly be called "Fort + +Despair?"</p> + +<p>These various works took up the whole summer, and there was no time for + +ennui. The construction of the boat proceeded rapidly. Mac-Nab meant it to be of + +about thirty tons measurement, which would make it large enough to carry some + +twenty passengers several hundred miles in the fine season. The carpenter had + +been fortunate enough to find some bent pieces of wood, so that he was able + +quickly to form the first ribs of the vessel, and soon the stern and sternpost, + +fixed to the keel, were upon the dockyard at the foot of Cape Bathurst.</p> + +<p>Whilst the carpenters were busy with hatchets, saws, and adzes, the hunters + +were eagerly hunting the reindeer and Polar hares, which abounded near the fort. + +The Lieutenant, however, told Marbre and Sabine not to go far away, stating as a + +reason, that until the buildings were completed he did not wish to attract the + +notice of rivals. The truth was, he did not wish the changes which had taken + +place to be noticed.</p> + +<p>One day Marbre inquired if it was not now time to go to Walruses' Bay, and + +get a fresh supply of morse-oil for burning, and Hobson replied rather + +hastily-</p> + +<p>"No, Marbre; it would be useless."</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant knew only too well that Walruses' Bay was two hundred miles + +away, and that there were no morses to be hunted on the island.</p> + +<p>It must not be supposed that Hobson considered the situation desperate even + +now. He often assured Mrs Barnett, Madge, and Long that he was convinced the + +island would hold together until the bitter cold of winter should thicken its + +foundation and arrest its course at one and the same time.</p> + +<p>After his journey of discovery, Hobson estimated exactly the area of his new + +dominions. The island measured more than forty miles round, from which its + +superficial area[r] would appear to be about one hundred and forty miles at the + +least. By way of comparison, we may say that Victoria Island was rather larger + +than St Helena, and its area was about the same as that of Paris within the line + +of fortifications. If then it should break up into fragments, the separate parts + +might still be of sufficient size to be habitable for some time.</p> + +<p>When Mrs Barnett expressed her surprise that a floating ice-field could be so + +large, Hobson replied by reminding her of the observations of Arctic navigators. + +Parry, Penny, and Franklin had met with ice-fields in the Polar seas one hundred + +miles long and fifty broad. Captain Kellet abandoned his boat on an ice-field + +measuring at least three hundred square miles, and what was Victoria Island + +compared to it?</p> + +<p>Its size was, however, sufficient to justify a hope that it would resist the + +action of the warm currents until the cold weather set in. Hobson would not + +allow himself to doubt; his despair arose rather from the knowledge that the + +fruit of all his cares, anxieties, and dangers must eventually be swallowed up + +by the deep, and it was no wonder that he could take no interest in the works + +that were going on.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett kept up a good heart through it all; she encouraged her comrades + +in their work, and took her share in it, as if she had still a future to look + +forward to. Seeing what an interest Mrs Joliffe took in her plants, she joined + +her every day in the garden. There was now a fine crop of sorrel and + +scurvy-grass-thanks to the Corporal's unwearying exertions to keep off the birds + +of every kind, which congregated by hundreds.</p> + +<p>The taming of the reindeer had been quite successful; there were now a good + +many young, and little Michael had been partly brought up on the milk of the + +mothers. There were now some thirty head in the herd which grazed near the fort, + +and a supply of the herbage on which they feed was dried and laid up for the + +winter. These useful animals, which are easily domesticated, were already quite + +familiar with all the colonists, and did not go far from the enceinte. Some of + +them were used in sledges to carry timber backwards and forwards. A good many + +reindeer, still wild, now fell into the trap half way between the fort and Port + +Barnett. It will be remembered that a large bear was once taken in it; but + +nothing of the kind occurred this season-none fell victims but the reindeer, + +whose flesh was salted and laid by for future use. Twenty at least were taken, + +which in the ordinary course of things would have gone down to the south in the + +winter.</p> + +<p>One day, however, the reindeer-trap suddenly became useless in consequence of + +the conformation of the soil. After visiting it as usual, the hunter Marbre + +approached Hobson, and said to him in a significant tone--</p> + +<p>"I have just paid my daily visit to the reindeer-trap, sir."</p> + +<p>"Well, Marbre, I hope you have been as successful to-day as yesterday, and + +have caught a couple of reindeer," replied Hobson.</p> + +<p>"No, sir, no," replied Marbre, with some embarrassment.</p> + +<p>"Your trap has not yielded its ordinary contingent then?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir; and if any animal had fallen in, it would certainly have been + +drowned!"</p> + +<p>"Drowned!" cried the Lieutenant, looking at the hunter with an anxious + +expression.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," replied Marbre, looking attentively at his superior, "the pit is + +full of water."</p> + +<p>"Ah!" said Hobson, in the tone of a man who attached no importance to that, + +"you know your pit was partly hollowed out of ice; its walls have melted with + +the heat of the sun, and then "--</p> + +<p>"Beg pardon for interrupting you, sir," said Marbre; "but the water cannot + +have been produced by the melting of ice."</p> + +<p>"Why not, Marbre?" "Because if it came from ice it would be sweet, as you + +explained to me once before. Now the water in our pit is salt!"</p> + +<p>Master of himself as he was, Hobson could not help changing countenance + +slightly, and he had not a word to say.</p> + +<p>"Besides," added Marbre, "I wanted to sound the trench, to see how deep the + +water was, and to my great surprise, I can tell you, I could not find the + +bottom."</p> + +<p>"Well, Marbre," replied Hobson hastily, "there is nothing so wonderful in + +that. Some fracture of the soil has established a communication between the sea + +and the trap. So don't be uneasy about it, my brave fellow, but leave the trap + +alone for the present, and be content with setting snares near the fort."</p> + +<p>Marbre touched his cap respectfully, and turned on his heel, but not before + +he had given his chief a searching glance.</p> + +<p>Hobson remained very thoughtful for a few moments. Marbre's tidings were of + +grave importance. It was evident that the bottom of the trench, gradually melted + +by the warm waters of the sea, had given way.</p> + +<p>Hobson at once called the Sergeant, and having acquainted him with the + +incident, they went together, unnoticed by their companions, to the beach at the + +foot of Cape Bathurst, where they had made the bench-marks.</p> + +<p>They examined them carefully, and found that since they last did so, the + +floating island had sunk six inches.</p> + +<p>"We are sinking gradually," murmured Sergeant Long. "The ice is wearing + +away."</p> + +<p>"Oh for the winter! the winter!" cried Hobson, stamping his foot upon the + +ground.</p> + +<p>But as yet, alas! there was no sign of the approach of the cold season. The + +thermometer maintained a mean height of 59? Fahrenheit, and during the few hours + +of the night the column of mercury scarcely went down three degrees.</p> + +<p>Preparations for the approaching winter went on apace, and there was really + +nothing wanting to Fort Hope, although it had not been revictualled by Captain + +Craventy's detachment. The long hours of the Arctic night might be awaited in + +perfect security. The stores were of course carefully husbanded. There still + +remained plenty of spirits, only small quantities having been consumed; and + +there was a good stock of biscuits, which, once gone, could not be replaced. + +Fresh venison and salt meat were to be had in abundance, and with some + +antiscorbutic vegetables, the diet was most healthy; and all the members of the + +little colony were well.</p> + +<p>A good deal of timber was cut in the woods clothing the eastern slopes of + +Lake Barnett. Many were the birch-trees, pines, and firs which fell beneath the + +axe of Mac-Nab, and were dragged to the house by the tamed reindeer. The + +carpenter did not spare the little forest, although he cut his wood judiciously; + +for he never dreamt that timber might fail him, imagining, as he did, Victoria + +Island to be a peninsula, and knowing the districts near Cape Michael to be rich + +in different species of trees.</p> + +<p>Many a time did the unconscious carpenter congratulate his Lieutenant on + +having chosen a spot so favoured by Heaven. Woods, game, furred animals, a + +lagoon teeming with fish, plenty of herbs for the animals, and, as Corporal + +Joliffe would have added, double pay for the men. Was not Cape Bathurst a corner + +of a privileged land, the like of which was not to be found in the whole Arctic + +regions? Truly Hobson was a favourite of Heaven, and ought to return thanks to + +Providence every day for the discovery of this unique spot.</p> + +<p>Ah, Mac-Nab, you little knew how you wrung the heart of your master when you + +talked in that strain!</p> + +<p>The manufacture of winter garments was not neglected in the factory. Mrs + +Barnett, Madge, Mrs Mac-Nab, Mrs Rae, and Mrs Joliffe-when she could leave her + +fires-were alike indefatigable. Mrs Barnett knew that they would all have to + +leave the fort in the depth of winter, and was determined that every one should + +be warmly clothed. They would have to face the bitterest cold for a good many + +days during the Polar night, if Victoria Island should halt far from the + +continent. Boots and clothes ought indeed to be strong and well made, for + +crossing some hundreds of miles under such circumstances. Mrs Barnett and Madge + +devoted all their energies to the matter in hand, and the furs, which they knew + +it would be impossible to save, were turned to good account. They were used + +double, so that the soft hair was both inside and outside of the clothes; and + +when wearing them, the whole party would be as richly attired as the grandest + +princesses, or the most wealthy ladies. Those not in the secret were rather + +surprised at the free use made of the Company's property; but Hobson's authority + +was not to be questioned, and really martens, polecats, musk-rats, beavers, and + +foxes multiplied with such rapidity near the fort, that all the furs used could + +easily be replaced by a few shots, or the setting of a few traps; and when Mrs + +Mac-Nab saw the beautiful ermine coat which had been made for her baby, her + +delight was unbounded, and she no longer wondered at anything.</p> + +<p>So passed the days until the middle of the month of August. The weather + +continued fine, and any mists which gathered on the horizon were quickly + +dispersed by the sunbeams.</p> + +<p>Every day Hobson took the bearings, taking care, however, to go some distance + +from the fort, that suspicions might not be aroused, and he also visited + +different parts of the island, and was reassured by finding that no important + +changes appeared to be taking place.</p> + +<p>On the 16th August Victoria Island was situated in 167? 27' west longitude, + +and 70? 49' north latitude. It had, therefore, drifted slightly to the south, + +but without getting any nearer to the American coast, which curved + +considerably.</p> + +<p>The distance traversed by the island since the fracture of the isthmus, or + +rather since the last thaw, could not be less than eleven or twelve hundred + +miles to the west.</p> + +<p>But what was this distance compared to the vast extent of the ocean? Had not + +boats been known to be drifted several thousands of miles by currents? Was not + +this the case with the English ship <i>Resolute</i>, the American brig + +<i>Advance</i>, and with the <i>Fox</i>, all of which were carried along upon + +ice-fields until the winter arrested their advance?</p> +<a name="BVI" id="BVI"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER VI.</h4> + +<h4><i>TEN DAYS OF TEMPEST</i></h4> + +<p>From the 17th to the 20th August the weather continued fine, and the + +temperature moderate. The mists on the horizon were not resolved into clouds, + +and altogether the weather was exceptionally beautiful for such an elevated + +position. It will be readily understood, however, that Hobson could take no + +pleasure in the fineness of the climate.</p> + +<p>On the 21st August, however, the barometer gave notice of an approaching + +change. The column of mercury suddenly fell considerably, the sun was completely + +hidden at the moment of culmination, and Hobson was unable to take his + +bearings.</p> + +<p>The next day the wind changed and blew strongly from the north-west, torrents + +of rain falling at intervals. Meanwhile, however, the temperature did not change + +to any sensible extent, the thermometer remaining at 54? Fahrenheit.</p> + +<p>Fortunately the proposed works were now all finished, and MacNab had + +completed the carcass of his boat, which was planked and ribbed. Hunting might + +now be neglected a little, as the stores were complete, which was fortunate, for + +the weather became very bad. The wind was high, the rain incessant, and thick + +fogs rendered it impossible to go beyond the enceinte of the fort.</p> + +<p>"What do you think of this change in the weather, Lieutenant?" inquired Mrs + +Barnett on the morning of the 27th August; "might it not be in our favour?"</p> + +<p>"I should not like to be sure of it, madam," replied Hobson; "but anything is + +better for us than the magnificent weather we have lately had, during which the + +sun made the waters warmer and warmer. Then, too, the wind from the north-west + +is so very strong that it may perhaps drive us nearer to the American + +continent."</p> + +<p>"Unfortunately," observed Long, "we can't take our bearings every day now. + +It's impossible to see either sun, moon, or stars in this fog. Fancy attempting + +to take an altitude now!"</p> + +<p>"We shall see well enough to recognise America, if we get anywhere near it," + +said Mrs Barnett. "Whatever land we approach will be welcome. It will most + +likely be some part of Russian America-probably Western Alaska."</p> + +<p>"You are right, madam," said Hobson; "for, unfortunately, in the whole Arctic + +Ocean there is not an island, an islet, or even a rock to which we could fasten + +our vessel!"</p> + +<p>"Well," rejoined Mrs Barnett, "why should not our conveyance take us straight + +to the coasts of Asia? Might not the currents carry us past the opening of + +Bearing Strait and land us on the shores of Siberia?"</p> + +<p>"No, madam, no," replied Hobson; "our ice-field would soon meet the + +Kamtchatka current, and be carried by it to the northwest. It is more likely, + +however, that this wind will drive us towards the shores of Russian + +America."</p> + +<p>"We must keep watch, then," said Mrs Barnett, "and ascertain our position as + +soon as possible."</p> + +<p>"We shall indeed keep watch," replied Hobson, "although this fog is very much + +against us If we should be driven on to the coast, the shock will be felt even + +if we cannot see. Let's hope the island will not fall to pieces in this storm! + +That is at present our principal danger. Well, when it comes we shall see what + +there is to be done, and meanwhile we must wait patiently."</p> + +<p>Of course this conversation was not held in the public room, where the + +soldiers and women worked together. It was in her own room, with the window + +looking out on the court, that Mrs Barnett received visitors. It was almost + +impossible to see indoors even in the daytime, and the wind could be heard + +rushing by outside like an avalanche. Fortunately, Cape Bathurst protected the + +house from the north-east winds, but the sand and earth from its summit were + +hurled down upon the roof with a noise like the pattering of hail. Mac-Nab began + +to feel fresh uneasiness about his chimneys, which it was absolutely necessary + +to keep in good order. With the roaring of the wind was mingled that of the sea, + +as its huge waves broke upon the beach. The storm had become a hurricane.</p> + +<p>In spite of the fury of the gale, Hobson determined on the morning of the + +28th of August to climb to the summit of Cape Bathurst, in order to examine the + +state of the horizon, the sea, and the sky. He therefore wrapped himself up, + +taking care to have nothing about him likely to give hold the wind, and set + +out.</p> + +<p>He got to the foot of the cape without much difficulty. The sand and earth + +blinded him, it is true, but protected by the cliff he had not as yet actually + +faced the wind. The fatigue began when he attempted to climb the almost + +perpendicular sides of the promontory; but by clutching at the tufts of herbs + +with which they were covered, he managed to get to the top, but there the fury + +of the gale was such that he could neither remain standing nor seated; he was + +therefore forced to fling himself upon his face behind the little coppice and + +cling to some shrubs, only raising his head and shoulders above the ground.</p> + +<p>The appearance of sea and sky was indeed terrible. The spray dashed over the + +Lieutenant's head, and half-a-mile from the cape water and clouds were + +confounded together in a thick mist. Low jagged rain-clouds were chased along + +the heavens with giddy rapidity, and heavy masses of vapour were piled upon the + +zenith. Every now and then an awful stillness fell upon the land, and the only + +sounds were the breaking of the surf upon the beach and the roaring of the angry + +billows; but then the tempest recommenced with redoubled fury, and Hobson felt + +the cape tremble to its foundations. Sometimes the rain poured down with such + +violence that it resembled grape-shot.</p> + +<p>It was indeed a terrible hurricane from the very worst quarter of the + +heavens. This north-east wind might blow for a long time and cause all manner of + +havoc. Yet Hobson, who would generally have grieved over the destruction around + +him, did not complain,-on the contrary, he rejoiced; for if, as he hoped, the + +island held together, it must be driven to the south-west by this wind, so much + +more powerful than the currents. And the south-west meant land-hope-safety! Yes, + +for his own sake, and for that of all with him, he hoped that the hurricane + +would last until it had flung them upon the laud, no matter where. That which + +would have been fatal to a ship was the best thing that could happen to the + +floating island.</p> + +<p>For a quarter of an hour Hobson remained crouching upon the ground, clutching + +at the shrubs like a drowning man at a spar, lashed by the wind, drenched by the + +rain and the spray, struggling to estimate all the chances of safety the storm + +might afford him. At the end of that time he let himself slide down the cape, + +and fought his way to Fort Hope.</p> + +<p>Hobson's first care was to tell his comrades that the hurricane was not yet + +at its height, and that it would probably last a long time yet. He announced + +these tidings with the manner of one bringing good news, and every one looked at + +him in astonishment. Their chief officer really seemed to take a delight in the + +fury of the elements.</p> + +<p>On the 30th Hobson again braved the tempest, not this time climbing the cape, + +but going down to the beach. What was his joy at noticing some long weeds + +floating on the top of the waves, of a kind which did not grow on Victoria + +Island. Christopher Columbus' delight was not greater when he saw the sea-weed + +which told him of the proximity of land.</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant hurried back to the fort, and told Mrs Barnett and Sergeant + +Long of his discovery. He had a good mind to tell every one the whole truth now, + +but a strange presentiment kept him silent.</p> + +<p>The occupants of the fort had plenty to amuse them in the long days of + +compulsory confinement. They went on improving the inside of the various + +buildings, and dug trenches in the court to carry away the rain-water. Mac-Nab, + +a hammer in one hand and a nail in the other, was always busy at a job in some + +corner or another, and nobody took much note of the tempest outside in the + +daytime; but at night it was impossible to sleep, the wind beat upon the + +buildings like a battering-ram; between the house and the cape sometimes whirled + +a huge waterspout of extraordinary dimensions; the planks cracked, the beams + +seemed about to separate, and there was danger of the whole structure tumbling + +down. Mac-Nab and his men lived in a state of perpetual dread, and had to be + +continually on the watch.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile, Hobson was uneasy about the stability of the island itself, rather + +than that of the house upon it. The tempest became so violent, and the sea so + +rough, that there was really a danger of the dislocation of the ice-field. It + +seemed impossible for it to resist much longer, diminished as it was in + +thickness and subject to the perpetual action of the waves. It is true that its + +inhabitants did not feel any motion, on account of its vast extent, but it + +suffered from it none the less. The point at issue was simply:-Would the island + +last until it was flung upon the coast, or would it fall to pieces before it + +touched firm ground?</p> + +<p>There could be no doubt that thus far it had resisted. As the Lieutenant + +explained to Mrs Barnett, had it already been broken, had the ice-field already + +divided into a number of islets, the occupants of the fort must have noticed it, + +for the different pieces would have been small enough to be affected by the + +motion of the sea, and the people on any one of them would have been pitched + +about like passengers on a boat. This was not the case, and in his daily + +observations Lieutenant Hobson had noticed no movement whatever, not so much as + +a trembling of the island, which appeared as firm and motionless as when it was + +still connected by its isthmus with the mainland.</p> + +<p>But the breaking up, which had not yet taken place, might happen at any + +minute.</p> + +<p>Hobson was most anxious to ascertain whether Victoria Island, driven by the + +north-west wind out of the current, had approached the continent. Everything, in + +fact, depended upon this, which was their last chance of safety. But without + +sun, moon, or stars, instruments were of course useless, as no observations + +could be taken, and the exact position of the island could not be determined. + +If, then, they were approaching the land, they would only know it when the land + +came in sight, and Hobson's only means of ascertaining anything in time to be of + +any service, was to get to the south of his dangerous dominions. The position of + +Victoria Island with regard to the cardinal points had not sensibly altered all + +the time. Cape Bathurst still pointed to the north, as it did when it was the + +advanced post of North America. It was, therefore, evident that if Victoria + +Island should come alongside of the continent, it would touch it with its + +southern side,-the communication would, in a word, be re-established by means of + +the broken isthmus; it was, therefore, imperative to ascertain what was going on + +in that direction.</p> + +<p>Hobson determined to go to Cape Michael, however terrible the storm might be, + +but he meant to keep the real motive of his reconnaissance a secret from his + +companions. Sergeant Long was to accompany him.</p> + +<p>About four o'clock P.M., on the 31st August, Hobson sent for the Sergeant in + +his own room, that they might arrange together for all eventualities.</p> + +<p>"Sergeant Long," he began, "it is necessary that we should, without delay, + +ascertain the position of Victoria Island, and above all whether this wind has, + +as I hope, driven it near to the American continent."</p> + +<p>"I quite agree with you, sir," replied Long, "and the sooner we find out the + +better"</p> + +<p>"But it will necessitate our going down to the south of the island."</p> + +<p>"I am ready, sir."</p> + +<p>"I know, Sergeant, that you are always ready to do your duty, but you will + +not go alone. Two of us ought to go, that we may be able to let our comrades + +know if any land is in sight; and besides I must see for myself ... we will go + +together."</p> + +<p>"When you like, Lieutenant, just when you think best."</p> + +<p>"We will start this evening at nine o'clock, when everybody else has gone to + +bed"</p> + +<p>"Yes, they would all want to come with us," said Long, "and they must not + +know why we go so far from the factory."</p> + +<p>"No, they must not know," replied Hobson, "and if I can, I will keep the + +knowledge of our awful situation from them until the end."</p> + +<p>"It is agreed then, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. You will take a tinder-box and some touchwood [Footnote: A fungus used + +as tinder (<i>Polyporous igniarius</i>).] with you, so that we can make a signal + +if necessary-if land is in sight in the south, for instance"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"We shall have a rough journey, Sergeant."</p> + +<p>"What does that matter, sir, but by the way-the lady?"</p> + +<p>"I don't think I shall tell her. She would want to go with us."</p> + +<p>"And she could not," said the Sergeant, "a woman could not battle with such a + +gale. Just see how its fury is increasing at this moment!"</p> + +<p>Indeed the house was rocking to such an extent that it seemed likely to be + +torn from its foundations.</p> + +<p>"No," said Hobson, "courageous as she is, she could not, she ought not to + +accompany us. But on second thought, it will be best to tell her of our project. + +She ought to know in case any accident should befall us"</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Long, "we ought not to keep anything from her, and if we do + +not come back"....</p> + +<p>"At nine o'clock then, Sergeant."</p> + +<p>"At nine o'clock."</p> + +<p>And with a military salute Sergeant Long retired.</p> + +<p>A few minutes later Hobson was telling Mrs Barnett of his scheme. As he + +expected the brave woman insisted on accompanying him, and was quite ready to + +face the tempest. Hobson did not dissuade her by dwelling on the dangers of the + +expedition, he merely said that her presence was necessary at the fort during + +his absence, and that her remaining would set his mind at ease. If any accident + +happened to him it would be a comfort to know that she would take his place.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett understood and said no more about going; but only urged Hobson + +not to risk himself unnecessarily. To remember that he was the chief officer, + +that his life was not his own, but necessary to the safety of all. The + +Lieutenant promised to be as prudent as possible; but added that the examination + +of the south of the island must be made at once, and he would make it. The next + +day Mrs Barnett merely told her companions that the Lieutenant and the Sergeant + +had gone to make a final reconnaissance before the winter set in.</p> +<a name="BVII" id="BVII"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER VII.</h4> + +<h4><i>A FIRE AND A CRY.</i></h4> + +<p>The Lieutenant and the Sergeant spent the evening in the large room of the + +fort, where all were assembled except the astronomer, who still remained shut up + +in his cabin. The men were busy over their various occupations, some cleaning + +their arms, others mending or sharpening their tools. The women were stitching + +away industriously, and Mrs Paulina Barnett was reading aloud; but she was often + +interrupted not only by the noise of the wind, which shook the walls of the + +house like a battering-ram, but by the cries of the baby. Corporal Joliffe, who + +had undertaken to amuse him, had enough to do. The young gentleman had ridden + +upon his playmate's knees until they were worn out, and the Corporal at last put + +the indefatigable little cavalier on the large table, where he rolled about to + +his heart's content until he fell asleep.</p> + +<p>At eight o'clock prayers were read as usual, the lamps were extinguished, and + +all retired to rest.</p> + +<p>When every one was asleep, Hobson and Long crept cautiously across the large + +room and gained the passage, where they found Mrs Barnett, who wished to press + +their hands once more.</p> + +<p>"Till to-morrow," she said to the Lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Hobson, "to-morrow, madam, without fail."</p> + +<p>"But if you are delayed?"</p> + +<p>"You must wait patiently for us," replied the Lieutenant, "for if in + +examining the southern horizon we should see a fire, which is not unlikely this + +dark night, we should know that we were near the coasts of New Georgia, and then + +it would be desirable for me to ascertain our position by daylight. In fact, we + +may be away forty eight hours. If, however, we can get to Cape Michael before + +midnight, we shall be back at the fort to-morrow evening. So wait patiently, + +madam, and believe that we shall incur no unnecessary risk."</p> + +<p>"But," added the lady, "suppose you don't get back to morrow, suppose you are + +away more than two days?"</p> + +<p>"Then we shall not return at all," replied Hobson simply.</p> + +<p>The door was opened, Mrs Barnett closed it behind the Lieutenant and his + +companion and went back to her own room, where Madge awaited her, feeling + +anxious and thoughtful.</p> + +<p>Hobson and Long made their way across the inner court through a whirlwind + +which nearly knocked them down; but clinging to each other, and leaning on their + +iron-bound staffs, they reached the postern gates, and set out [beween] between + +the hills and the eastern bank of the lagoon.</p> + +<p>A faint twilight enabled them to see their way. The moon, which was new the + +night before, would not appear above the horizon, and there was nothing to + +lessen the gloom of the darkness, which would, however, last but a few hours + +longer.</p> + +<p>The wind and rain were as violent as ever. The Lieutenant and his companion + +wore impervious boots and water-proof cloaks well pulled in at the waist, and + +the hood completely covering their heads. Thus protected they got along at a + +rapid pace, for the wind was behind them, and sometimes drove them on rather + +faster than they cared to go. Talking was quite out of the question, and they + +did not attempt it, for they were deafened by the hurricane, and out of breath + +with the buffeting they received.</p> + +<p>Hobson did not mean to follow the coast, the windings of which would have + +taken him a long way round, and have brought him face to face with the wind, + +which swept over the sea with nothing to break its fury. His idea was to cut + +across in a straight line from Cape Bathurst to Cape Michael, and he was + +provided with a pocket compass with which to ascertain his bearings. He hoped by + +this means to cross the ten or eleven miles between him and his goal, just + +before the twilight faded and gave place to the two hours of real darkness.</p> + +<p>Bent almost double, with rounded shoulders and stooping heads, the two + +pressed on. As long as they kept near the lake they did not meet the gale full + +face, the little hills crowned with trees afforded them some protection, the + +wind howled fearfully as it bent and distorted the branches, almost tearing the + +trunks up by the roots; but it partly exhausted its strength, and even the rain + +when it reached the explorers was converted into impalpable mist, so that for + +about four miles they did not suffer half as much as they expected to.</p> + +<p>But when they reached the southern skirts of the wood, where the hills + +disappeared, and there were neither trees nor rising ground, the wind swept + +along with awful force, and involuntarily they paused for a moment. They were + +still six miles from Cape Michael.</p> + +<p>"We are going to have a bad time of it," shouted Lieutenant Hobson in the + +Sergeant's ear.</p> + +<p>"Yes, the wind and rain will conspire to give us a good beating," answered + +Long.</p> + +<p>"I am afraid that now and then we shall have hail as well," added Hobson.</p> + +<p>"It won't be as deadly as grape-shot," replied Long coolly, "and we have both + +been through that, and so forwards!"</p> + +<p>"Forwards, my brave comrade!"</p> + +<p>It was then ten o'clock. The twilight was fading away, dying as if drowned in + +the mists or quenched by the wind and the rain. There was still, however, some + +light, and the Lieutenant struck his flint, and consulted his compass, passing a + +piece of burning touchwood over it, and then, drawing his cloak more closely + +around him, he plunged after the Sergeant across the unprotected plain.</p> + +<p>At the first step, both were flung violently to the ground, but they managed + +to scramble up, and clinging to each other with their backs bent like two old + +crippled peasants, they struck into a kind of ambling trot.</p> + +<p>There was a kind of awful grandeur in the storm to which neither was + +insensible. Jagged masses of mist and ragged rain-clouds swept along the ground. + +The loose earth and sand were whirled into the air and flung down again like + +grape-shot, and the lips of Hobson and his companion were wet with salt spray, + +although the sea was two or three miles distant at least.</p> + +<p>During the rare brief pauses in the gale, they stopped and took breath, + +whilst the Lieutenant ascertained their position as accurately as possible.</p> + +<p>The tempest increased as the night advanced, the air and water seemed to be + +absolutely confounded together, and low down on the horizon was formed one of + +those fearful waterspouts which can overthrow houses, tear up forests, and which + +the vessels whose safety they threaten attack with artillery. It really seemed + +as if the ocean itself was being torn from its bed and flung over the devoted + +little island.</p> + +<p>Hobson could not help wondering how it was that the ice-field which supported + +it was not broken in a hundred places in this violent convulsion of the sea, the + +roaring of which could be distinctly heard where he stood. Presently Long, who + +was a few steps in advance, stopped suddenly, and turning round managed to make + +the Lieutenant hear the broken words-</p> + +<p>"Not that way!"</p> + +<p>"Why not?"</p> + +<p>"The sea!"</p> + +<p>"What, the sea! We cannot possibly have got to the southeast coast!"</p> + +<p>"Look, look, Lieutenant!"</p> + +<p>It was true, a vast sheet of water was indistinctly visible before them, and + +large waves were rolling up and breaking at the Lieutenant's feet.</p> + +<p>Hobson again had recourse to his flint, and with the aid of some lighted + +touchwood consulted the needle of his compass very carefully.</p> + +<p>"No," he said, "the sea is farther to the left, we have not yet passed the + +wood between us and Cape Michael."</p> + +<p>"Then it is"--</p> + +<p>"It is a fracture of the island!" cried Hobson, as both were compelled to + +fling themselves to the ground before the wind, "either a large portion of our + +land has been broken off and drifted away, or a gulf has been made, which we can + +go round. Forwards!"</p> + +<p>They struggled to their feet and turned to the right towards the centre of + +the island. For about ten minutes they pressed on in silence, fearing, not + +without reason, that all communication with the south of the island would be + +found to be cut off. Presently, however, they no longer heard the noise of the + +breakers.</p> + +<p>"It is only a gulf." screamed Hobson in the Sergeant's ear. "Let us turn + +round."</p> + +<p>And they resumed their original direction towards the south, but both knew + +only too well that they had a fearful danger to face, for that portion of the + +island on which they were was evidently cracked for a long distance, and might + +at any moment separate entirely; should it do so under the influence of the + +waves, they would inevitably be drifted away, whither they knew not. Yet they + +did not hesitate, but plunged into the mist, not even pausing to wonder if they + +should ever get back.</p> + +<p>What anxious forebodings must, however, have pressed upon the heart of the + +Lieutenant. Could he now hope that the island would hold together until the + +winter? had not the inevitable breaking up already commenced? If the wind should + +not drive them on to the coast, were they not doomed to perish very soon, to be + +swallowed up by the deep, leaving no trace behind them? What a fearful prospect + +for all the unconscious inhabitants of the fort!</p> + +<p>But through it all the two men, upheld by the consciousness of a duty to + +perform, bravely struggled on against the gale, which nearly tore them to + +pieces, along the new beach, the foam sometimes bathing their feet, and + +presently gained the large wood which shut in Cape Michael. This they would have + +to cross to get to the coast by the shortest route, and they entered it in + +complete darkness, the wind thundering among the branches over their heads. + +Everything seemed to be breaking to pieces around them, the dislocated branches + +intercepted their passage, and every moment they ran a risk of being crushed + +beneath a falling tree, or they stumbled over a stump they had not been able to + +see in the gloom. The noise of the waves on the other side of the wood was a + +sufficient guide to their steps, and sometimes the furious breakers shook the + +weakened ground beneath their feet. Holding each other's hands lest they should + +lose each other, supporting each other, and the one helping the other up when he + +fell over some obstacle, they at last reached the point for which they were + +bound.</p> + +<p>But the instant they quitted the shelter of the wood a perfect whirlwind tore + +them asunder, and flung them upon the ground.</p> + +<p>"Sergeant, Sergeant! Where are you?" cried Hobson with all the strength of + +his lungs.</p> + +<p>"Here, here!" roared Long in reply.</p> + +<p>And creeping on the ground they struggled to reach each other; but it seemed + +as if a powerful hand rivetted them to the spot on which they had fallen, and it + +was only after many futile efforts that they managed to reach each other. Having + +done so, they tied their belts together to prevent another separation, and crept + +along the sand to a little rising ground crowned by a small clump of pines. Once + +there they were a little more protected, and they proceeded to dig themselves a + +hole, in which they crouched in a state of absolute exhaustion and + +prostration.</p> + +<p>It was half-past eleven o'clock P.M.</p> + +<p>For some minutes neither spoke. With eyes half closed they lay in a kind of + +torpor, whilst the trees above them bent beneath the wind, and their branches + +rattled like the bones of a skeleton. But yet again they roused themselves from + +this fatal lethargy, and a few mouthfuls of rum from the Sergeant's flask + +revived them.</p> + +<p>"Let us hope these trees will hold," at last observed Hobson.</p> + +<p>"And that our hole will not blow away with them," added the Sergeant, + +crouching in the soft sand.</p> + +<p>"Well!" said Hobson, "here we are at last, a few feet from Cape Michael, and + +as we came to make observations, let us make them. I have a presentiment, + +Sergeant, only a presentiment, remember, that we are not far from firm + +ground!"</p> + +<p>Had the southern horizon been visible the two adventurers would have been + +able to see two-thirds of it from their position; but it was too dark to make + +out anything, and if the hurricane had indeed driven them within sight of land, + +they would not be able to see it until daylight, unless a fire should be lighted + +on the continent.</p> + +<p>As the Lieutenant had told Mrs Barnett, fishermen often visited that part of + +North America, which is called New Georgia, and there are a good many small + +native colonies, the members of which collect the teeth of mammoths, these + +fossil elephants being very numerous in these latitudes. A few degrees farther + +south, on the island of Sitka, rises New-Archangel, the principal settlement in + +Russian America, and the head-quarters of the Russian Fur Company, whose + +jurisdiction once extended over the whole of the Aleutian Islands. The shores of + +the Arctic Ocean are, however, the favourite resort of hunters, especially since + +the Hudson's Bay Company took a lease of the districts formerly in the hands of + +the Russians; and Hobson, although he knew nothing of the country, was well + +acquainted with the habits of those who were likely to visit it at this time of + +the year, and was justified in thinking that he might meet fellow-countrymen, + +perhaps even members of his own Company, or, failing them, some native Indians, + +scouring the coasts.</p> + +<p>But could the Lieutenant reasonably hope that Victoria Island had been driven + +towards the coast?</p> + +<p>"Yes, a hundred times yes," he repeated to the Sergeant again and again. "For + +seven days a hurricane has been blowing from the northeast, and although I know + +that the island is very flat, and there is not much for the wind to take hold + +of, still all these little hills and woods spread out like sails must have felt + +the influence of the wind to a certain extent. Moreover, the sea which bears us + +along feels its power, and large waves are certainly running in shore. It is + +impossible for us to have remained in the current which was dragging us to the + +west, we must have been driven out of it, and towards the south. Last time we + +took our bearings we were two hundred miles from the coast, and in seven days + +"--</p> + +<p>"Your reasonings are very just, Lieutenant," replied the Sergeant, "and I + +feel that whether the wind helps us or not, God will not forsake us. It cannot + +be His will that so many unfortunate creatures should perish, and I put my trust + +in Him!"</p> + +<p>The two talked on in broken sentences, making each other hear above the + +roaring of the storm, and struggling to pierce the gloom which closed them in on + +every side; but they could see nothing, not a ray of light broke the thick + +darkness.</p> + +<p>About half past one A.M. the hurricane ceased for a few minutes, whilst the + +fury of the sea seemed to be redoubled, and the large waves, lashed into foam, + +broke over each other with a roar like thunder.</p> + +<p>Suddenly Hobson seizing his companion's arm shouted-</p> + +<p>"Sergeant, do you hear?"</p> + +<p>"What?"</p> + +<p>"The noise of the sea?"</p> + +<p>"Of course I do, sir," replied Long, listening more attentively, "and the + +sound of the breakers seems to me not"--</p> + +<p>"Not exactly the same... isn't it Sergeant; listen, listen, it is like the + +sound of surf!... it seems as if the waves were breaking against rocks!"</p> + +<p>Hobson and the Sergeant now listened intently, the monotonous sound of the + +waves dashing against each other in the offing was certainly exchanged for the + +regular rolling sound produced by the breaking of water against a hard body; + +they heard the reverberating echoes which told of the neighbourhood of rocks, + +and they knew that along the whole of the coast of their island there was not a + +single stone, and nothing more sonorous than the earth and sand of which it was + +composed!</p> + +<p>Could they have been deceived? The Sergeant tried to rise to listen better, + +but he was immediately flung down by the hurricane, which recommenced with + +renewed violence. The lull was over, and again the noise of the waves was + +drowned in the shrill whistling of the wind, and the peculiar echo could no + +longer be made out.</p> + +<p>The anxiety of the two explorers will readily be imagined. They again + +crouched down in their hole, doubting whether it would not perhaps be prudent to + +leave even this shelter, for they felt the sand giving way beneath them, and the + +pines cracking at their very roots. They persevered, however, in gazing towards + +the south, every nerve strained to the utmost, in the effort to distinguish + +objects through the darkness.</p> + +<p>The first grey twilight of the dawn might soon be expected to appear, and a + +little before half-past two A.M. Long suddenly exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"I see it!"</p> + +<p>"What?"</p> + +<p>"A fire!"</p> + +<p>"A fire?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, there-over there!"</p> + +<p>And he pointed to the south-west. Was he mistaken? No, for Hobson also made + +out a faint glimmer in the direction indicated.</p> + +<p>"Yes!" he cried, "yes, Sergeant, a fire; there is land there!"</p> + +<p>"Unless it is a fire on board ship," replied Long.</p> + +<p>"A ship at sea in this weather!" exclaimed Hobson, "impossible! No, no, there + +is land there, land I tell you, a few miles from us!"</p> + +<p>"Well, let us make a signal!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Sergeant, we will reply to the fire on the mainland by a fire on our + +island!"</p> + +<p>Of course neither Hobson nor Long had a torch, but above their heads rose + +resinous pines distorted by the hurricane.</p> + +<p>"Your flint, Sergeant," said Hobson.</p> + +<p>Long at once struck his flint, lighted the touchwood, and creeping along the + +sand climbed to the foot of the thicket of firs, where he was soon joined by the + +Lieutenant. There was plenty of deadwood about, and they piled it up at the + +stems of the trees, set fire to it, and soon, the wind helping them, they had + +the satisfaction of seeing the whole thicket in a blaze</p> + +<p>"Ah!" said Hobson, "as we saw their fire, they will see ours!"</p> + +<p>The firs burnt with a lurid glare like a large torch. The dried resin in the + +old trunks aided the conflagration, and they were rapidly consumed. At last the + +crackling ceased, the flames died away, and all was darkness.</p> + +<p>Hobson and Long looked in vain for an answering fire-nothing was to be seen. + +For ten minutes they watched, hoping against hope, and were just beginning to + +despair, when suddenly a cry was heard, a distinct cry for help. It was a human + +voice, and it came from the sea.</p> + +<p>Hobson and Long, wild with eager anxiety, let themselves slide down to the + +shore.</p> + +<p>The cry was not, however, repeated.</p> + +<p>The daylight was now gradually beginning to appear, and the violence of the + +tempest seemed to be decreasing. Soon it was light enough for the horizon to be + +examined.</p> + +<p>But there was no land in sight, sea and sky were still blended in one + +unbroken circle.</p> +<a name="BVIII" id="BVIII"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER VIII.</h4> + +<h4><i>MRS. PAULINA BARNETT'S EXCURSION.</i></h4> + +<p>The whole morning Hobson and Sergeant Long wandered about the coast. The + +weather was much improved, the rain had ceased, and the wind had veered round to + +the south-east with extraordinary suddenness, without unfortunately decreasing + +in violence, causing fresh anxiety to the Lieutenant, who could no longer hope + +to reach the mainland.</p> + +<p>The south-east wind would drive the wandering island farther from the + +continent, and fling it into the dangerous currents, which must drift it to the + +north of the Arctic Ocean.</p> + +<p>How could they even be sure that they had really approached the coast during + +the awful night just over. Might it not have been merely a fancy of the + +Lieutenant's? The air was now clear, and they could look round a radius of + +several miles; yet there was nothing in the least resembling land within sight. + +Might they not adopt the Sergeant's suggestion, that a ship had passed the + +island during the night, that the fire and cry were alike signals of sailors in + +distress? And if it had been a vessel, must it not have foundered in such a + +storm?</p> + +<p>Whatever the explanation there was no sign of a wreck to be seen either in + +the offing or on the beach, and the waves, now driven along by the wind from the + +land, were large enough to have overwhelmed any vessel.</p> + +<p>"Well, Lieutenant," said Sergeant Long, "what is to be done?'"</p> + +<p>"We must remain upon our island," replied the Lieutenant, pressing his hand + +to his brow; "we must remain on our island and wait for winter; it alone can + +save us."</p> + +<p>It was now mid-day, and Hobson, anxious to get back to Fort Hope before the + +evening, at once turned towards Cape Bathurst.</p> + +<p>The wind, being now on their backs, helped them along as it had done before. + +They could not help feeling very uneasy, as they were naturally afraid that the + +island might have separated into two parts in the storm. The gulf observed the + +night before might have spread farther, and if so they would be cut off from + +their friends.</p> + +<p>They soon reached the wood they had crossed the night before. Numbers of + +trees were lying on the ground, some with broken stems, others torn up by the + +roots from the soft soil, which had not afforded them sufficient support. The + +few which remained erect were stripped of their leaves, and their naked branches + +creaked and moaned as the south-east wind swept over them.</p> + +<p>Two miles beyond this desolated forest the wanderers arrived at the edge of + +the gulf they had seen the night before without being able to judge of its + +extent. They examined it carefully, and found that it was about fifty feet wide, + +cutting the coast line straight across near Cape Michael and what was formerly + +Fort Barnett, forming a kind of estuary running more than a mile and a half + +inland. If the sea should again become rough in a fresh storm, this gulf would + +widen more and more.</p> + +<p>Just as Hobson approached the beach, he saw a large piece of ice separate + +from the island and float away!</p> + +<p>"Ah!" murmured Long, "that is the danger!"</p> + +<p>Both then turned hurriedly to the west, and walked as fast as they could + +round the huge gulf, making direct for Fort Hope.</p> + +<p>They noticed no other changes by the way, and towards four o'clock they + +crossed the court and found all their comrades at their usual occupations.</p> + +<p>Hobson told his men that he had wished once more before the winter to see if + +there were any signs of the approach of Captain Craventy's convoy, and that his + +expedition had been fruitless.</p> + +<p>"Then, sir," observed Marbre, "I suppose we must give up all idea of seeing + +our comrades from Fort Reliance for this year at least?"</p> + +<p>"I think you must," replied Hobson simply, re-entering the public room.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett and Madge were told of the two chief events of the exploration: + +the fire and the cry. Hobson was quite sure that neither he nor the Sergeant + +were mistaken. The fire had really been seen, the cry had really been heard; and + +after a long consultation every one came to the conclusion that a ship in + +distress had passed within sight during the night, and that the island had not + +approached the American coast.</p> + +<p>The south-east wind quickly chased away the clouds and mists, so that Hobson + +hoped to be able to take his bearings the next day. The night was colder and a + +fine snow fell, which quickly covered the ground. This first sign of winter was + +hailed with delight by all who knew of the peril of their situation.</p> + +<p>On the 2nd September the sky gradually became free from vapours of all kinds, + +and the sun again appeared. Patiently the Lieutenant awaited its culmination; at + +noon he took the latitude, and two hours later a calculation of hour-angles gave + +him the longitude.</p> + +<p>The following were the results obtained: Latitude, 70? 57'; longitude, 170? + +30'.</p> + +<p>So that, in spite of the violence of the hurricane, the island had remained + +in much the same latitude, although it had been drifted somewhat farther west. + +They were now abreast of Behring Strait, but four hundred miles at least north + +of Capes East and Prince of Wales, which jut out on either side at the narrowest + +part of the passage.</p> + +<p>The situation was, therefore, more dangerous than ever, as the island was + +daily getting nearer to the dangerous Kamtchatka Current, which, if it once + +seized it in its rapid waters, might carry it far away to the north. Its fate + +would now soon be decided. It would either stop where the two currents met, and + +there be shut in by the ice of the approaching winter, or it would be drifted + +away and lost in the solitudes of the remote hyperborean regions.</p> + +<p>Hobson was painfully moved on ascertaining the true state of things, and + +being anxious to conceal his emotion, he shut himself up in his own room and did + +not appear again that day. With his chart before him, he racked his brains to + +find some way out of the difficulties with which be was beset.</p> + +<p>The temperature fell some degrees farther the same day, and the mists, which + +had collected above the south-eastern horizon the day before, resolved + +themselves into snow during the night, so that the next day the white carpet was + +two inches thick. Winter was coming at last.</p> + +<p>On September 3rd Mrs Barnett resolved to go a few miles along the coast + +towards Cape Esquimaux. She wished to see for herself the changes lately + +produced. If she had mentioned her project to the Lieutenant, he would certainly + +have offered to accompany her; but she did not wish to disturb him, and decided + +to go without him, taking Madge with her. There was really nothing to fear, the + +only formidable animals, the bears, seemed to have quite deserted the island + +after the earthquake; and two women might, without danger, venture on a walk of + +a few hours without an escort.</p> + +<p>Madge agreed at once to Mrs Barnett's proposal, and without a word to any one + +they set out at eight o'clock A.M., provided with an ice-chisel, a flask of + +spirits, and a wallet of provisions.</p> + +<p>After leaving Cape Bathurst they turned to the west. The sun was already + +dragging its slow course along the horizon, for at this time of year it would + +only be a few degrees above it at its culmination. But its oblique rays were + +clear and powerful, and the snow was already melting here and there beneath + +their influence.</p> + +<p>The coast was alive with flocks of birds of many kinds; ptarmigans, + +guillemots, puffins, wild geese, and ducks of every variety fluttered about, + +uttering their various cries, skimming the surface of the sea or of the lagoon, + +according as their tastes led them to prefer salt or fresh water.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett had now a capital opportunity of seeing how many furred animals + +haunted the neighbourhood of Fort Hope. Martens, ermines, musk-rats, and foxes + +were numerous, and the magazines of the factory might easily have been filled + +with their skins, but what good would that be now? The inoffensive creatures, + +knowing that hunting was suspended, went and came fearlessly, venturing close up + +to the palisade, and becoming tamer every day. Their instinct doubtless told + +them that they and their old enemies were alike prisoners on the island, and a + +common danger bound them together. It struck Mrs Barnett as strange that the two + +enthusiastic hunters-Marbre and Sabine-should obey the Lieutenant's orders to + +spare the furred animals without remonstrance or complaint, and appeared not + +even to wish to shoot the valuable game around them. It was true the foxes and + +others had not yet assumed their winter robes, but this was not enough to + +explain the strange indifference of the two hunters.</p> + +<p>Whilst walking at a good pace and talking over their strange situation, Mrs + +Barnett and Madge carefully noted the peculiarities of the sandy coast. The + +ravages recently made by the sea were distinctly visible. Fresh landslips + +enabled them to see new fractures in the ice distinctly. The strand, fretted + +away in many places, had sunk to an enormous extent, and the waves washed along + +a level beach when the perpendicular shores had once checked their advance. It + +was evident that parts of the island were now only on a level with the + +ocean.</p> + +<p>"O Madge!" exclaimed Mrs Barnett, pointing to the long smooth tracts on which + +the curling waves broke in rapid succession, "our situation has indeed become + +aggravated by the awful storm! It is evident that the level of the whole island + +is gradually becoming lower. It is now only a question of time. Will the winter + +come soon enough to save us? Everything depends upon that."</p> + +<p>"The winter will come, my dear girl," replied Madge with her usual unshaken + +confidence. "We have already had two falls of snow. Ice is [begininng] beginning + +to accumulate, and God will send it us in time, I feel sure."</p> + +<p>"You are right. Madge, we must have faith!" said Mrs Barnett. "We women who + +do not trouble ourselves about the scientific reasons for physical phenomena can + +hope, when men who are better informed, perhaps, despair. That is one of our + +blessings, which our Lieutenant unfortunately does not share. He sees the + +significance of facts, he reflects, he calculates, he reckons up the time still + +remaining to us, and I see that he is beginning to lose all hope."</p> + +<p>"He is a brave, energetic man, for all that," replied Madge.</p> + +<p>"Yes," added Mrs Barnett, "and if it be in the power of man to save us, he + +will do it."</p> + +<p>By nine o'clock the two women had walked four miles. They were often obliged + +to go inland for some little distance, to avoid parts of the coast already + +invaded by the sea. Here and there the waves had encroached half-a-mile beyond + +the former high-water line, and the thickness of the ice-field had been + +considerably reduced. There was danger that it would soon yield in many places, + +and that new bays would be formed all along the coast.</p> + +<p>As they got farther from the fort Mrs Barnett noticed that the number of + +furred animals decreased considerably. The poor creatures evidently felt more + +secure near a human habitation. The only formidable animals which had not been + +led by instinct to escape in time from the dangerous island were a few wolves, + +savage beasts which even a common danger did not conciliate. Mrs Barnett and + +Madge saw several wandering about on the plains, but they did not approach, and + +soon disappeared behind the hills on the south of the lagoon.</p> + +<p>"What will become of all these imprisoned animals," said Madge, "when all + +food fails them, and they are famished with hunger in the winter?"</p> + +<p>"They will not be famished in a hurry, Madge," replied Mrs Barnett, "and we + +shall have nothing to fear from them; all the martens, ermines, and Polar hares, + +which we spare will fall an easy prey to them. That is not our danger; the + +brittle ground beneath our feet, which may at any moment give way, is our real + +peril. Only look how the sea is advancing here. It already covers half the + +plain, and the waves, still comparatively warm, are eating away our island above + +and below at the same time! If the cold does not stop it very soon, the sea will + +shortly join the lake, and we shall lose our lagoon as we lost our river and our + +port!"</p> + +<p>"Well, if that should happen it will indeed be an irreparable misfortune!" + +exclaimed Madge.</p> + +<p>"Why?" asked Mrs Barnett, looking inquiringly at her companion.</p> + +<p>"Because we shall have no more fresh water," replied Madge.</p> + +<p>"Oh, we shall not want for fresh water, Madge," said Mrs Barnett; "the rain, + +the snow, the ice, the icebergs of the ocean, the very ice-field on which we + +float, will supply us with that; no, no, that is not our danger."</p> + +<p>About ten o'clock Mrs Barnett and Madge had readied the rising ground above + +Cape Esquimaux, but at least two miles inland, for they had found it impossible + +to follow the coast, worn away as it was by the sea. Being rather tired with the + +many <i>detours</i> they had had to make, they decided to rest a few minutes + +before setting off on their return to Fort Hope. A little hill crowned by a + +clump of birch trees and a few shrubs afforded a pleasant shelter, and a bank + +covered with yellow moss, from which the snow had melted, served them as a seat. + +The little wallet was opened, and they shared their simple repast like + +sisters.</p> + +<p>Half an hour later, Mrs Barnett proposed that they should climb along the + +promontory to the sea, and find out the exact state of Cape Esquimaux. She was + +anxious to know if the point of it had resisted the storm, and Madge declared + +herself ready to follow "her dear girl" wherever she went, but at the same time + +reminded her that they were eight or nine miles from Cape Bathurst already, and + +that they must not make Lieutenant Hobson uneasy by too long an absence.</p> + +<p>But some presentiment made Mrs Barnett insist upon doing as she proposed, and + +she was right, as the event proved. It would only delay them half an hour after + +all.</p> + +<p>They had not gone a quarter of a mile before Mrs Barnett stopped suddenly, + +and pointed to some clear and regular impressions upon the snow. These marks + +must have been made within the last nine or ten hours, or the last fall of snow + +would have covered them over.</p> + +<p>"What animal has passed along here, I wonder?" said Madge.</p> + +<p>"It was not an animal," said Mrs Barnett, bending down to examine the marks + +more closely, "not a quadruped certainly, for its four feet would have left + +impressions very different from these. Look, Madge, they are the footprints of a + +human person!"</p> + +<p>"But who could have been here?" inquired Madge; "none of the soldiers or + +women have left the fort, and we are on an island, remember. You must be + +mistaken, my dear; but we will follow the marks, and see where they lead + +us."</p> + +<p>They did so, and fifty paces farther on both again paused.</p> + +<p>"Look, Madge, look!" cried Mrs Barnett, seizing her companion's arm, "and + +then say if I am mistaken."</p> + +<p>Near the footprints there were marks of a heavy body having been dragged + +along the snow, and the impression of a hand.</p> + +<p>"It is the hand of a woman or a child!" cried Madge.</p> + +<p>"Yes!" replied Mrs Barnett; "a woman or a child has fallen here exhausted, + +and risen again to stumble farther on; look, the footprints again, and father on + +more falls!"</p> + +<p>"Who, who could it have been?" exclaimed Madge.</p> + +<p>"How can I tell?" replied Mrs Barnett. "Some unfortunate creature imprisoned + +like ourselves for three or four months perhaps. Or some shipwrecked wretch + +flung upon the coast in the storm. You remember the fire and the cry of which + +Sergeant Long and Lieutenant Hobson spoke. Come, come, Madge, there may be some + +one in danger for us to save!</p> + +<p>And Mrs Barnett, dragging Madge with her, ran along following the traces, and + +further on found that they were stained with blood.</p> + +<p>The brave, tender-hearted woman, had spoken of saving some one in danger; had + +she then forgotten that there was no safety for any upon the island, doomed + +sooner or later to be swallowed up by the ocean?</p> + +<p>The impressions on the ground led towards Cape Esquimaux. And the two + +carefully traced them, but the footprints presently disappeared, whilst the + +blood-stains increased, making an irregular pathway along the snow. It was + +evident the poor wretch had been unable to walk farther, and had crept along on + +hands and knees; here and there fragments of torn clothes were scattered about, + +bits of sealskin and fur.</p> + +<p>"Come, come," cried Mrs Barnett, whose heart beat violently.</p> + +<p>Madge followed her, they were only a few yards from Cape Esquimaux, which now + +rose only a few feet upon the sea-level against the background of the sky, and + +was quite deserted.</p> + +<p>The impressions now led them to the right of the cape, and running along they + +soon climbed to the top, but there was still nothing, absolutely nothing, to be + +seen. At the foot of the cape, where the slight ascent began, the traces turned + +to the right, and led straight to the sea.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett was turning to the right also, but just as she was stepping on to + +the beach, Madge, who had been following her and looking about uneasily, caught + +hold of her hand, and exclaimed-</p> + +<p>"Stop! stop!" "No, Madge, no!" cried Mrs Barnett, who was drawn along by a + +kind of instinct in spite of herself.</p> + +<p>"Stop, stop, and look!" cried Madge, tightening her hold on her mistress's + +hand.</p> + +<p>On the beach, about fifty paces from Cape Esquimaux, a large white mass was + +moving about and growling angrily.</p> + +<p>It was an immense Polar bear, and the two women watched it with beating + +hearts. It was pacing round and round a bundle of fur on the ground, which it + +smelt at every now and then, lifting it up and letting it fall again. The bundle + +of fur looked like the dead body of a walrus.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett and Madge did not know what to think, whether to advance or to + +retreat, but presently as the body was moved about a kind of hood fell back from + +the head, and some long locks of brown hair were thrown over the snow.</p> + +<p>"It is a woman! a woman!" cried Mrs Barnett, eager to rush to her assistance + +and find out if she were dead or alive!</p> + +<p>"Stop!" repeated Madge, holding her back; "the bear won't harm her."</p> + +<p>And, indeed, the formidable creature merely turned the body over, and showed + +no inclination of tearing it with its dreadful claws. It went away and came back + +apparently uncertain what to do. It had not yet perceived the two women who were + +so anxiously watching it.</p> + +<p>Suddenly a loud crack was heard. The earth shook, and it seemed as if the + +whole of Cape Esquimaux were about to be plunged into the sea.</p> + +<p>A large piece of the island had broken away, and a huge piece of ice, the + +centre of gravity of which had been displaced by the alteration in its specific + +weight, drifted away, carrying with it the bear and the body of the woman.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett screamed, and would have flung herself upon the broken ice before + +it floated away, if Madge had not clutched her hand firmly, saying quietly--</p> + +<p>"Stop! stop!"</p> + +<p>At the noise produced by the breaking off of the piece of ice, the bear + +started back with a fearful growl, and, leaving the body, rushed to the side + +where the fracture had taken place; but he was already some forty feet from the + +coast, and in his terror he ran round and round the islet, tearing up the ground + +with his claws, and stamping the sand and snow about him.</p> + +<p>Presently he returned to the motionless body, and, to the horror of the two + +women, seized it by the clothes with his teeth, and carrying it to the edge of + +the ice, plunged with it into the sea.</p> + +<p>Being a powerful swimmer, like the whole race of Arctic bears, he soon gained + +the shores of the island. With a great exertion of strength he managed to climb + +up the ice, and having reached the surface of the island he quietly laid down + +the body he had brought with him.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett could no longer be held back, and, shaking off Madge's hold, she + +rushed to the beach, never thinking of the danger she ran in facing a formidable + +carnivorous creature.</p> + +<p>The bear, seeing her approach, reared upon his hind legs, and came towards + +her, but at about ten paces off he paused, shook his great head, and turning + +round with a low growl, quietly walked away towards the centre of the island, + +without once looking behind him. He, too, was evidently affected by the + +mysterious fear which had tamed all the wild animals on the island.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett was soon bending over the body stretched about the snow.</p> + +<p>A cry of astonishment burst from her lips:</p> + +<p>"Madge, Madge, come!" she exclaimed.</p> + +<p>Madge approached and looked long and fixedly at the inanimate body. It was + +the young Esquimaux girl Kalumah!</p> +<a name="BIX" id="BIX"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER IX.</h4> + +<h4><i>KALUMAH'S ADVENTURES.</i></h4> + +<p>Kalumah on the floating island, two hundred miles from the American coast. It + +was almost incredible!</p> + +<p>The first thing to be ascertained was whether the poor creature still + +breathed. Was it possible to restore her to life? Mrs Barnett loosened her + +clothes, and found that her body was not yet quite cold. Her heart beat very + +feebly, but it did beat. The blood they had seen came from a slight wound in her + +hand; Madge bound it up with her handkerchief, and the bleeding soon ceased.</p> + +<p>At the same time Mrs Barnett raised the poor girl's head, and managed to pour + +a few drops of rum between her parted lips. She then bathed her forehead and + +temples with cold water, and waited.</p> + +<p>A few minutes passed by, and neither of the watchers were able to utter a + +word, so anxious were they lest the faint spark of life remaining to the young + +Esquimaux should be quenched.</p> + +<p>But at last Kalumah's breast heaved with a faint sigh, her hands moved + +feebly, and presently she opened her eyes, and recognising her preserver she + +murmured-</p> + +<p>"Mrs Barnett! Mrs Barnett!"</p> + +<p>The lady was not a little surprised at hearing her own name. Had Kalumah + +voluntarily sought the floating island, and did she expect to find her old + +European friends on it? If so, how had she come to know it, and how had she + +managed to reach the island, two hundred miles from the mainland? How could she + +have guessed that the ice-field as bearing Mrs Barnett and all the occupants of + +Fort Hope away from the American coast? Really it all seemed quite + +inexplicable.</p> + +<p>"She lives-she will recover!" exclaimed Madge, who felt the vital heat and + +pulsation returning to the poor bruised body.</p> + +<p>"Poor child, poor child'" said Mrs Barnett, much affected; "she murmured my + +name when she was at the point of death."</p> + +<p>But now Kalumah again half opened her eyes, and looked about her with a + +dreamy unsatisfied expression, presently, however, seeing Mrs Barnett, her face + +brightened, the same name again burst from her lips, and painfully raising her + +hand she let it fall on that of her friend.</p> + +<p>The anxious care of the two women soon revived Kalumah, whose extreme + +exhaustion arose not only from fatigue but also from hunger. She had eaten + +nothing for forty-eight hours. Some pieces of cold venison and a little rum + +refreshed her, and she soon felt able to accompany her newly-found friends to + +the fort.</p> + +<p>Before starting, however, Kalumah, seated on the sand between Mrs Barnett and + +Madge, overwhelmed them with thanks and expressions of attachment. Then she told + +her story: she had not forgotten the Europeans of Fort Hope, and the thought of + +Mrs Paulina Barnett had been ever present with her. It was not by chance, as we + +shall see, that she had come to Victoria Island.</p> + +<p>The following is a brief summary of what Kalumah related to Mrs Barnett:-</p> + +<p>Our readers will remember the young Esquimaux's promise to come and see her + +friends at Fort Hope again in the fine season of the next year. The long Polar + +night being over, and the month of May having come round, Kalumah set out to + +fulfil her pledge. She left Russian America, where she had wintered, and + +accompanied by one of her brothers-in-law, started for the peninsula of + +Victoria.</p> + +<p>Six weeks later, towards the middle of June, she got to that part of British + +America which is near Cape Bathurst. She at once recognised the volcanic + +mountains shutting in Liverpool Bay, and twenty miles farther east she came to + +Walruses' Bay, where her people had so often hunted morses and seals.</p> + +<p>But beyond the bay on the north, there was nothing to be seen. The coast + +suddenly sank to the south-east in an almost straight line. Cape Esquimaux and + +Cape Bathurst had alike disappeared.</p> + +<p>Kalumah understood what had happened. Either the whole of the peninsula had + +been swallowed up by the waves, or it was floating away as an island, no one + +knew whither!</p> + +<p>Kalumah's tears flowed fast at the loss of those whom she had come so far to + +see.</p> + +<p>Her brother-in-law, however, had not appeared surprised at the catastrophe. A + +kind of legend or tradition had been handed down amongst the nomad tribes of + +North America, that Cape Bathurst did not form part of the mainland, but had + +been joined on to it thousands of years before, and would sooner or later be + +torn away in some convulsion of nature. Hence the surprise at finding the + +factory founded by Hobson at the foot of the cape. But with the unfortunate + +reserve characteristic of their race, and perhaps also under the influence of + +that enmity which all natives feel for those who settle in their country, they + +said nothing to the Lieutenant, whose fort was already finished. Kalumah knew + +nothing of this tradition, which after all rested on no trustworthy evidence, + +and probably belonged to the many northern legends relating to the creation. + +This was how it was that the colonists of Fort Hope were not warned of the + +danger they ran in settling on such a spot.</p> + +<p>Had a word in season been spoken to Hobson he would certainly have gone + +farther in search of some firmer foundation for his fort than this soil, certain + +peculiarities of which he had noticed at the first.</p> + +<p>When Kalumah had made quite sure that all trace of Cape Bathurst was gone, + +she explored the coast as far as the further side of Washburn Bay, but without + +finding any sign of those she sought, and at last there was nothing left for her + +to do but to return to the fisheries of Russian America.</p> + +<p>She and her brother-in-law left Walruses' Bay at the end of June, and + +following the coast got back to New Georgia towards the end of July, after an + +absolutely fruitless journey.</p> + +<p>Kalumah now gave up all hope of again seeing Mrs Barnett and the other + +colonists of Fort Hope. She concluded that they had all been swallowed up by the + +ocean long ago.</p> + +<p>At this part of her tale the young Esquimaux looked at Mrs Barnett with eyes + +full of tears, and pressed her hand [affectionaly] affectionately, and then she + +murmured her thanks to God for her own preservation through the means of her + +friend.</p> + +<p>Kalumah on her return home resumed her customary occupations, and worked with + +the rest of her tribe at the fisheries near Icy Cape, a point a little above the + +seventieth parallel, and more than six hundred miles from Cape Bathurst.</p> + +<p>Nothing worthy of note happened during the first half of the month of April; + +but towards the end the storm began which had caused Hobson so much uneasiness, + +and which had apparently extended its ravages over the whole of the Arctic Ocean + +and beyond Behring Strait. It was equally violent at Icy Cape and on Victoria + +Island, and, as the Lieutenant ascertained in taking his bearings, the latter + +was then not more than two hundred miles from the coast.</p> + +<p>As Mrs Barnett listened to Kalumah, her previous information enabled her + +rapidly to find the key to the strange events which had taken place, and to + +account for the arrival of the young native on the island.</p> + +<p>During the first days of the storm the Esquimaux of Icy Cape were confined to + +their huts. They could neither get out nor fish. But during the night of the + +31st August a kind of presentiment led Kalumah to venture down to the beach, + +and, braving the wind and rain in all their fury, she peered anxiously through + +the darkness at the waves rising mountains high.</p> + +<p>Presently she thought she saw a huge mass driven along by the hurricane + +parallel with the coast. Gifted with extremely keen sight-as are all these + +wandering tribes accustomed to the long dark Polar nights-she felt sure that she + +was not mistaken.</p> + +<p>Something of vast bulk was passing two miles from the coast, and that + +something could be neither a whale, a boat, nor, at this time of the year, even + +an iceberg.</p> + +<p>But Kalumah did not stop to reason. The truth flashed upon her like a + +revelation. Before her excited imagination rose the images of her friends. She + +saw them all once more, Mrs Barnett, Madge, Lieutenant Hobson, the baby she had + +covered with kisses at Fort Hope. Yes, they were passing, borne along in the + +storm on a floating ice-field!</p> + +<p>Kalumah did not doubt or hesitate a moment. She felt that she must tell the + +poor shipwrecked people, which she was sure they were, of the close vicinity of + +the land. She ran to her hut, seized a torch of tow and resin, such as the + +Esquimaux use when fishing at night, lit it and waved it on the beach at the + +summit of Icy Cape.</p> + +<p>This was the fire which Hobson and Long had seen when crouching on Cape + +Michael on the night of the 31st August.</p> + +<p>Imagine the delight and excitement of the young Esquimaux when a signal + +replied to hers, when she saw the huge fire lit by Lieutenant Hobson, the + +reflection of which reached the American coast, although he did not dream that + +he was so near it.</p> + +<p>But it quickly went out, the lull in the storm only lasted a few minutes, and + +the fearful gale, veering round to the south-east, swept along with redoubled + +violence.</p> + +<p>Kalumah feared that her "prey," so she called the floating island, was about + +to escape her, and that it would not be driven on to the shore. She saw it + +fading away, and knew that it would soon disappear in the darkness and be lost + +to her on the boundless ocean.</p> + +<p>It was indeed a terrible moment for the young native, and she determined at + +all hazards to let her friends know of their situation. There might yet be time + +for them to take some steps for their deliverance, although every hour took them + +farther from the continent.</p> + +<p>She did not hesitate a moment, her kayak was at hand, the frail bark in which + +she had more than once braved the storms of the Arctic Ocean, she pushed it down + +to the sea, hastily laced on the sealskin jacket fastened to the canoe, and, the + +long paddle in her hand, she plunged into the darkness.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett here pressed the brave child to her heart, and Madge shed tears + +of sympathy.</p> + +<p>When launched upon the roaring ocean, Kalumah found the change of wind in her + +favour. The waves dashed over her kayak, it is true, but they were powerless to + +harm the light boat, which floated on their crests like a straw. It was capsized + +several times, but a stroke of the paddle righted it at once.</p> + +<p>After about an hour's hard work, Kalumah could see the wandering island more + +distinctly, and had no longer any doubt of effecting her purpose, as she was but + +a quarter of a mile from the beach.</p> + +<p>It was then that she uttered the cry which Hobson and Long had heard.</p> + +<p>But, alas! Kalumah now felt herself being carried away towards the west by a + +powerful current, which could take firmer hold of her kayak than of the floating + +island!</p> + +<p>In vain she struggled to beat back with her paddle, the light boat shot along + +like an arrow. She uttered scream after scream, but she was unheard, for she was + +already far away, and when the day broke the coasts of Alaska and the island she + +had wished to reach, were but two distant masses on the horizon.</p> + +<p>Did she despair? Not yet. It was impossible to get back to the American + +continent in the teeth of the terrible wind which was driving the island before + +it at a rapid pace, taking it out two hundred miles in thirty-six hours, and + +assisted by the current from the coast.</p> + +<p>There was but one thing left to do. To get to the island by keeping in the + +same current which was drifting it away.</p> + +<p>But, alas! the poor girl's strength was not equal to her courage, she was + +faint from want of food, and, exhausted as she was, she could no longer wield + +her paddle.</p> + +<p>For some hours she struggled on, and seemed to be approaching the island, + +although those on it could not see her, as she was but a speck upon the ocean. + +She struggled on until her stiffened arms and bleeding hands fell powerless, + +and, losing consciousness, she was floated along in her frail kayak at the mercy + +of winds and waves.</p> + +<p>She did not know how long this lasted, she remembered nothing more, until a + +sudden shock roused her, her kayak had struck against something, it opened + +beneath her, and she was plunged into cold water, the freshness of which revived + +her. A few moments later, she was flung upon the sand in a dying state by a + +large wave.</p> + +<p>This had taken place the night before, just before dawn-that is to say, about + +two or three o'clock in the morning. Kalumah had then been seventy hours at sea + +since she embarked!</p> + +<p>The young native had no idea where she had been thrown, whether on the + +continent or on the floating island, which she had so bravely sought, but she + +hoped the latter. Yes, hoped that she had reached her friends, although she knew + +that the wind and current had driven them into the open sea, and not towards the + +coast!</p> + +<p>The thought revived her, and, shattered as she was, she struggled to her + +feet, and tried to follow the coast.</p> + +<p>She had, in fact, been providentially thrown on that portion of Victoria + +Island which was formerly the upper corner of Walruses' Bay. But, worn away as + +it was by the waves, she did not recognise the land with which she had once been + +familiar.</p> + +<p>She tottered on, stopped, and again struggled to advance; the beach before + +her appeared endless, she had so often to go round where the sea had encroached + +upon the sand. And so dragging herself along, stumbling and scrambling up again, + +she at last approached the little wood where Mrs. Barnett and Madge had halted + +that very morning. We know that the two women found the footprints left by + +Kalumah in the snow not far from this very spot, and it was at a short distance + +farther on that the poor girl fell for the last time. Exhausted by fatigue and + +hunger, she still managed to creep along on hands and knees for a few minutes + +longer.</p> + +<p>A great hope kept her from despair, for she had at last recognised Cape + +Esquimaux, at the foot of which she and her people had encamped the year before. + +She knew now that she was but eight miles from the factory, and that she had + +only to follow the path she had so often traversed when she went to visit her + +friends at Fort Hope.</p> + +<p>Yes, this hope sustained her, but she had scarcely reached the beach when her + +forces entirely failed her, and she again lost all consciousness. But for Mrs + +Barnett she would have died.</p> + +<p>"But, dear lady," she added, "I knew that you would come to my rescue, and + +that God would save me by your means."</p> + +<p>We know the rest. We know the providential instinct which led Mrs Barnett and + +Madge to explore this part of the coast on this very day, and the presentiment + +which made them visit Cape Esquimaux after they had rested, and before returning + +to Fort Hope. We know too-as Mrs Barnett related to Kalumah- how the piece of + +ice had floated away, and how the bear had acted under the circumstances.</p> + +<p>"And after all," added Mrs Barnett with a smile, "it was not I who saved you, + +but the good creature without whose aid you would never have come back to us, + +and if ever we see him again we will treat him with the respect due to your + +preserver."</p> + +<p>During this long conversation Kalumah was rested and refreshed, and Mrs + +Barnett proposed that they should return to the fort at once, as she had already + +been too long away. The young girl immediately rose ready to start.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett was indeed most anxious to tell the Lieutenant of all that had + +happened during the night of the storm, when the wandering island had neared the + +American continent, but she urged Kalumah to keep her adventures secret, and to + +say nothing about the situation of the island. She would naturally be supposed + +to have come along the coast, in fulfilment of the promise she had made to visit + +her friends in the fine season. Her arrival would tend only to strengthen the + +belief of the colonists that no changes had taken place in the country around + +Cape Bathurst, and to set at rest the doubts any of them might have + +entertained.</p> + +<p>It was about three o'clock when Madge and Mrs Barnett, with Kalumah hanging + +on her arm, set out towards the east, and before five o'clock in the afternoon + +they all arrived at the postern of the fort.</p> +<a name="BX" id="BX"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER X.</h4> + +<h4><i>THE KAMTCHATKA CURRENT</i>.</h4> + +<p>We can readily imagine the reception given to Kalumah by all at the fort. It + +seemed to them that the communication with the outer world was reopened. Mrs + +Mac-Nab, Mrs Rae and Mrs Joliffe overwhelmed her with caresses, but Kalumah's + +first thought was for the little child, she caught sight of him immediately, and + +running to him covered him with kisses.</p> + +<p>The young native was charmed and touched with the hospitality of her European + +hosts. A positive <i>fete</i> was held in her honour and every one was delighted + +that she would have to remain at the fort for the winter, the season being too + +far advanced for her to get back to the settlements of Russian America before + +the cold set in.</p> + +<p>But if all the settlers were agreeably surprised at the appearance of + +Kalumah, what must Lieutenant Hobson have thought when he saw her leaning on Mrs + +Barnett's arm. A sudden hope flashed across his mind like lightning, and as + +quickly died away: perhaps in spite of the evidence of his daily observations + +Victoria Island had run aground somewhere on the continent unnoticed by any of + +them.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett read the Lieutenant's thoughts in his face, and shook her head + +sadly.</p> + +<p>He saw that no change had taken place in their situation, and waited until + +Mrs Barnett was able to explain Kalumah's appearance.</p> + +<p>A few minutes later he was walking along the beach with the lady, listening + +with great interest to her account of Kalumah's adventures.</p> + +<p>So he had been right in all his conjectures. The north-east hurricane had + +driven the island out of the current. The ice-field had approached within a mile + +at least of the American continent. It had not been a fire on board ship which + +they had seen, or the cry of a shipwrecked mariner which they had heard. The + +mainland had been close at hand, and had the north-east wind blown hard for + +another hour Victoria Island would have struck against the coast of Russian + +America. And then at this critical moment a fatal, a terrible wind had driven + +the island away from the mainland back to the open sea, and it was again in the + +grasp of the irresistible current, and was being carried along with a speed + +which nothing could check, the mighty south-east wind aiding its headlong + +course, to that terribly dangerous spot where it would be exposed to contrary + +attractions, either of which might lead to its destruction and that of all the + +unfortunate people dragged along with it.</p> + +<p>For the hundredth time the Lieutenant and Mrs Barnett discussed all the + +bearings of the case, and then Hobson inquired if any important changes had + +taken place in the appearance of the districts between Cape Bathurst and + +Walruses' Bay?</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett replied that in some places the level of the coast appeared to be + +lowered, and that the waves now covered tracts of sand which were formerly out + +of their reach. She related what had happened at Cape Esquimaux, and the + +important fracture which had taken place at that part of the coast.</p> + +<p>Nothing could have been less satisfactory. It was evident that the ice-field + +forming the foundation of the island was breaking up. What had happened at Cape + +Esquimaux might at any moment be reproduced at Cape Bathurst. At any hour of the + +day or night the houses of the factory might be swallowed up by the deep, and + +the only thing which could save them was the winter, the bitter winter which was + +fortunately rapidly approaching.</p> + +<p>The next day, September 4th, when Hobson took his bearings, he found that the + +position of Victoria Island had not sensibly changed since the day before. It + +had remained motionless between the two contrary currents, which was on the + +whole the very best thing that could have happened.</p> + +<p>"If only the cold would fix us where we are, if the ice wall would shut us + +in, and the sea become petrified around us," exclaimed Hobson, "I should feel + +that our safety was assured. We are but two hundred miles from the coast at this + +moment, and by venturing across the frozen ice fields we might perhaps reach + +either Russian America or Kamtchatka. Winter, winter at any price, let the + +winter set in, no matter how rapidly."</p> + +<p>Meanwhile, according to the Lieutenant's orders, the preparations for the + +winter were completed. Enough forage to last the dogs the whole of the Polar + +night was stored up. They were all in good health, but getting rather fat with + +having nothing to do. They could not be taken too much care of, as they would + +have to work terribly hard in the journey across the ice after the abandonment + +of Fort Hope. It was most important to keep up their strength, and they were fed + +on raw reindeer venison, plenty of which was easily attainable.</p> + +<p>The tame reindeer also prospered, their stable was comfortable, and a good + +supply of moss was laid by for them in the magazines of the fort. The females + +provided Mrs Joliffe with plenty of milk for her daily culinary needs.</p> + +<p>The Corporal and his little wife had also sown fresh seeds, encouraged by the + +success of the last in the warm season. The ground had been prepared beforehand + +for the planting of scurvy-grass and Labrador Tea. It was important that there + +should be no lack of these valuable anti-scorbutics.</p> + +<p>The sheds were filled with wood up to the very roof. Winter might come as + +soon as it liked now, and freeze the mercury in the cistern of the thermometer, + +there was no fear that they would again be reduced to burn their furniture as + +they had the year before. Mac-Nab and his men had become wise by experience, and + +the chips left from the boat-building added considerably to their stock of + +fuel.</p> + +<p>About this time a few animals were taken which had already assumed their + +winter furs, such as martens, polecats, blue foxes, and ermines. Marbre and + +Sabine had obtained leave from the Lieutenant to set some traps outside the + +enceinte. He did not like to refuse them this permission, lest they should + +become discontented, as he had really no reason to assign for putting a stop to + +the collecting of furs, although he knew full well that the destination of these + +harmless creatures could do nobody any good. Their flesh was, however, useful + +for feeding the dogs, and enabled them to economise the reindeer venison.</p> + +<p>All was now prepared for the winter, and the soldiers worked with an energy + +which they would certainly not have shown if they had been told the secret of + +their situation.</p> + +<p>During the next few days the bearings were taken with the greatest care, but + +no change was noticeable in the situation of Victoria Island; and Hobson, + +finding that it was motionless, began to have fresh hope. Although there were as + +yet no symptoms of winter in inorganic nature, the temperature maintaining a + +mean height of 49? Fahrenheit, some swans flying to the south in search of a + +warmer climate was a good omen. Other birds capable of a long-sustained flight + +over vast tracts of the ocean began to desert the island. They knew full well + +that the continent of America and of Asia, with their less severe climates and + +their plentiful resources of every kind, were not far off, and that their wings + +were strong enough to carry them there. A good many of these birds were caught; + +and by Mrs Barnett's advice the Lieutenant tied round their necks a stiff cloth + +ticket, on which was inscribed the position of the wandering island, and the + +names of its inhabitants. The birds were then set free, and their captors + +watched them wing their way to the south with envious eyes.</p> + +<p>Of course none were in the secret of the sending forth of these messengers, + +except Mrs Barnett, Madge, Kalumah, Hobson, and Long.</p> + +<p>The poor quadrupeds were unable to seek their usual winter refuges in the + +south. Under ordinary circumstances the reindeer, Polar hares, and even the + +wolves would have left early in September for the shores of the Great Bear and + +Slave Lakes, a good many degrees farther south; but now the sea was an + +insurmountable barrier, and they, too, would have to wait until the winter + +should render it passable. Led by instinct they had doubtless tried to leave the + +island, but, turned back by the water, the instinct of self-preservation had + +brought them to the neighbourhood of Fort Hope, to be near the men who were once + +their hunters and most formidable enemies, but were now, like themselves, + +rendered comparatively inoffensive by their imprisonment.</p> + +<p>The observations of the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th September, revealed no + +alteration in the position of Victoria Island. The large eddy between the two + +currents kept it stationary. Another fifteen days, another three weeks of this + +state of things, and Hobson felt that they might be saved.</p> + +<p>But they were not yet out of danger, and many terrible, almost supernatural, + +trials still awaited the inhabitants of Fort Hope.</p> + +<p>On the 10th of September observations showed a displacement of Victoria + +Island. Only a slight displacement, but in a northerly direction.</p> + +<p>Hobson was in dismay; the island was finally in the grasp of the Kamtchatka + +Current, and was drifting towards the unknown latitudes where the large icebergs + +come into being; it was on its way to the vast solitudes of the Arctic Ocean, + +interdicted to the human race, from which there is no return.</p> + +<p>Hobson did not hide this new danger from those who were in the secret of the + +situation. Mrs Barnett, Madge, Kalumah, and Sergeant Long received this fresh + +blow with courage and resignation.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps," said Mrs Barnett, "the island may stop even yet. Perhaps it will + +move slowly. Let us hope on ... and wait! The winter is not far off, and we are + +going to meet it. In any case God's will be done!" "My friends," said Hobson + +earnestly, "do you not think I ought now to tell our comrades. You see in what a + +terrible position we are and all that may await us! Is it not taking too great a + +responsibility to keep them in ignorance of the peril they are in?"</p> + +<p>"I should wait a little longer," replied Mrs Barnett without hesitation; "I + +would not give them all over to despair until the last chance is gone."</p> + +<p>"That is my opinion also," said Long.</p> + +<p>Hobson had thought the same, and was glad to find that his companions agreed + +with him in the matter.</p> + +<p>On the 11th and 12th September, the motion towards the north was more + +noticeable. Victoria Island was drifting at a rate of from twelve to thirteen + +miles a day, so that each day took them the same distance farther from the land + +and nearer to the north. They were, in short, following the decided course made + +by the Kamtchatka Current, and would quickly pass that seventieth degree which + +once cut across the extremity of Cape Bathurst, and beyond which no land of any + +kind was to be met with in this part of the Arctic Ocean.</p> + +<p>Every day Hobson looked out their position on the map, and saw only too + +clearly to what awful solitudes the wandering island was drifting.</p> + +<p>The only hope left consisted, as Mrs Barnett had said, in the fact that they + +were going to meet the winter. In thus drifting towards the north they would + +soon encounter those ice-cold waters, which would consolidate and strengthen the + +foundations of the island. But if the danger of being swallowed up by the waves + +was decreased, would not the unfortunate colonists have an immense distance to + +traverse to get back from these remote northern regions? Had the boat been + +finished, Lieutenant Hobson would not have hesitated to embark the whole party + +in it, but in spite of the zealous efforts of the carpenter it was not nearly + +ready, and indeed it taxed Mac-Nab's powers to the uttermost to construct a + +vessel on which to trust the lives of twenty persons in such a dangerous sea</p> + +<p>By the 16th September Victoria Island was between seventy-three and eighty + +miles north of the spot where its course had been arrested for a few days + +between the Behring and Kamtchatka Cur rents There were now, however, many signs + +of the approach of winter Snow fell frequently and in large flakes The column of + +mercury fell gradually The mean temperature was still 44? Fahrenheit during the + +day, but at night it fell to 32?. The sun described an extremely lengthened + +curve above the horizon, not rising more than a few degrees even at noon, and + +disappearing for eleven hours out of every twenty four.</p> + +<p>At last, on the night of the 16th September, the first signs of ice appeared + +upon the sea in the shape of small isolated crystals like snow, which stained + +the clear surface of the water As was noticed by the famous explorer Scoresby, + +these crystals immediately calmed the waves, like the oil which sailors pour + +upon the sea to produce a momentary cessation of its agitation These crystals + +showed a tendency to weld themselves together, but they were broken and + +separated by the motion of the water as soon as they had combined to any + +extent.</p> + +<p>Hobson watched the appearance of the "young ice" with extreme attention. He + +knew that twenty four hours would suffice to make the ice-crust two or three + +inches thick, strong enough in fact to bear the weight of a man He therefore + +expected that Victoria Island would shortly be arrested in its course to the + +north.</p> + +<p>But the day ended the work of the night, and if the speed of the island + +slackened during the darkness in consequence of the obstacles in its path, they + +were removed in the next twelve hours, and the island was carried rapidly along + +again by the powerful current.</p> + +<p>The distance from the northern regions became daily less, and nothing could + +be done to lessen the evil.</p> + +<p>At the autumnal equinox on the 21st of September, the day and night were of + +equal length, and from that date the night gradually became longer and longer. + +The winter was coming at last, but it did not set in rapidly or with any rigour + +Victoria Island was now nearly a degree farther north than the seventieth + +parallel, and on this 21st September, a rotating motion was for the first time + +noticed, a motion estimated by Hobson at about a quarter of the + +circumference.</p> + +<p>Imagine the anxiety of the unfortunate Lieutenant. The secret he had so long + +carefully kept was now about to be betrayed by nature to the least clear + +sighted. Of course the rotation altered the cardinal points of the island. Cape + +Bathurst no longer pointed to the north, but to the east. The sun, moon, and + +stars rose and set on a different horizon, and it was impossible that men like + +Mac-Nab, Rae, Marbre and others, accustomed to note the signs of the heavens, + +could fail to be struck by the change, and understand its meaning.</p> + +<p>To Hobson's great satisfaction, however, the brave soldiers appeared to + +notice nothing, the displacement with regard to the cardinal points was not, it + +was true, very considerable, and it was often too foggy for the rising and + +setting of the heavenly bodies to be accurately observed.</p> + +<p>Unfortunately the rotation appeared to be accompanied by an increase of + +speed. From that date Victoria Island drifted at the rate of a mile an hour. It + +advanced farther and farther north, farther and farther away from all land. + +Hobson did not even yet despair, for it was not in his nature to do so, but he + +felt confused and astray, and longed for the winter with all his heart.</p> + +<p>At last the temperature began to fall still lower. Snow fell plentifully on + +the 23d and 24th September, and increased the thickness of the coating of ice on + +the sea. Gradually the vast ice-field was formed on every side, the island in + +its advance continually broke it up, but each day it became firmer and better + +able to resist. The sea succumbed to the petrifying hand of winter, and became + +frozen as far as the eye could reach, and on September 27th, when the bearings + +were taken, it was found that Victoria Island had not moved since the day + +before. It was imprisoned in a vast ice-field, it was motionless in longitude + +177? 22', and latitude 77? 57'-more than six hundred miles from any + +continent.</p> +<a name="BXI" id="BXI"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER XI</h4> + +<h4><i>A COMMUNICATION FROM LIEUTENANT HOBSON</i>.</h4> + +<p>Such was the situation. To use Sergeant Long's expression, the island had + +"cast anchor," and was as stationary as when the isthmus connected it with the + +mainland. But six hundred miles now separated it from inhabited countries, six + +hundred miles which would have to be traversed in sledges across the solidified + +surface of the sea, amongst the icebergs which the cold would build up, in the + +bitterest months of the Arctic winter.</p> + +<p>It would be a fearful undertaking, but hesitation was impossible. The winter, + +for which Lieutenant Hobson had so ardently longed, had come at last, and + +arrested the fatal march of the island to the north. It would throw a bridge six + +hundred miles long from their desolate home to the continents on the south, and + +the new chances of safety must not be neglected, every effort must be made to + +restore the colonists, so long lost in the hyperborean regions, to their + +friends.</p> + +<p>As Hobson explained to his companions, it would be madness to linger till the + +spring should again thaw the ice, which would be to abandon themselves once more + +to the capricious Behring currents. They must wait until the sea was quite + +firmly frozen over, which at the most would be in another three or four weeks. + +Meanwhile the Lieutenant proposed making frequent excursions on the ice-field + +encircling the island, in order to ascertain its thickness, its suitability for + +the passage of sledges, and the best route to take across it so as to reach the + +shores of Asia or America.</p> + +<p>"Of course," observed Hobson to Mrs Barnett and Sergeant Long, "we would all + +rather make for Russian America than Asia, if a choice is open to us."</p> + +<p>"Kalumah will be very useful to us," said Mrs Barnett, "for as a native she + +will be thoroughly acquainted with the whole of Alaska."</p> + +<p>"Yes, indeed," replied Hobson, "her arrival was most fortunate for us. Thanks + +to her, we shall be easily able to get to the settlement of Fort Michael on + +Norton Sound, perhaps even to New Archangel, a good deal farther south, where we + +can pass the rest of the winter."</p> + +<p>"Poor Fort Hope!" exclaimed Mrs Barnett, "it goes to my heart to think of + +abandoning it on this island. It has been built at the cost of so much trouble + +and fatigue, everything about it has been so admirably arranged by you, + +Lieutenant! I feel as if my heart would break when we leave it finally."</p> + +<p>"You will not suffer more than I shall, madam," replied Hobson, "and perhaps + +not so much. It is the chief work of my life; I have devoted all my powers to + +the foundation of Fort Hope, so unfortunately named, and I shall never cease to + +regret having to leave it. And what will the Company say which confided this + +task to me, for after all I am` but its humble agent."</p> + +<p>"It will say," cried Mrs Barnett with enthusiasm, "it will say that you have + +done your duty, that you are not responsible for the caprices of nature, which + +is ever more powerful than man. It will understand that you could not foresee + +what has happened, for it was beyond the penetration of the most far-sighted + +man, and it will know that it owes the preservation of the whole party to your + +prudence and moral courage."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, madam," replied the Lieutenant, pressing Mrs Barnett's hand, + +"thank you for your warm-hearted words. But I have had some experience of men, + +and I know that success is always admired and failure condemned. But the will of + +Heaven be done!"</p> + +<p>Sergeant Long, anxious to turn the Lieutenant from his melancholy thoughts, + +now began to talk about the preparations for the approaching departure, and + +asked if it was not time to tell his comrades the truth.</p> + +<p>"Let us wait a little longer," replied Hobson. "We have saved the poor + +fellows much anxiety and worry already, let us keep silent until the day is + +fixed for the start, and then we will reveal the whole truth."</p> + +<p>This point being decided, the ordinary occupations of the factory went on for + +a few weeks longer.</p> + +<p>How different was the situation of the colonists a year ago, when they were + +all looking forward to the future in happy unconsciousness!</p> + +<p>A year ago the first symptoms of the cold season were appearing, even as they + +were now. The "young ice" was gradually forming along the coast. The lagoon, its + +waters being quieter than those of the sea, was the first to freeze over. The + +temperature remained about one or two degrees above freezing point in the day, + +and fell to three or four degrees below in the night. Hobson again made his men + +assume their winter garments, the linen vests and furs before described. The + +condensers were again set up inside the house, the air vessel and air-pumps were + +cleaned, the traps were set round the palisades on different parts of Cape + +Bathurst, and Marbre and Sabine got plenty of game, and finally the last touches + +were given to the inner rooms of the principal house.</p> + +<p>Although Fort Hope was now about two degrees farther north than at the same + +time the year before, there was no sensible difference in the state of the + +temperature. The fact is, the distance between the seventieth and seventy-second + +parallels is not great enough to affect the mean height of the thermometer, on + +the contrary, it really seemed to be less cold than at the beginning of the + +winter before. Perhaps, however, that was because the colonists were now, to a + +certain extent, acclimatised.</p> + +<p>Certainly the winter did not set in so abruptly as last time. The weather was + +very damp, and the atmosphere was always charged with vapour, which fell now as + +rain now as snow. In Lieutenant Hobson's opinion, at least, it was not nearly + +cold enough.</p> + +<p>The sea froze all round the island, it is true, but not in a regular or + +continuous sheet of ice. Large blackish patches here and there showed that the + +icicles were not thoroughly cemented together. Loud resonant noises were + +constantly heard, produced by the breaking of the ice field when the rain melted + +the imperfectly welded edges of the blocks composing it. There was no rapid + +accumulation of lump upon lump such as is generally seen in intense cold. + +Icebergs and hummocks were few and scattered, and no ice-wall as yet shut in the + +horizon.</p> + +<p>"This season would have been just the thing for the explorers of the North + +West Passage, or the seekers of the North Pole," repeated Sergeant Long again + +and again, "but it is most unfavourable for us, and very much against our ever + +getting back to our own land!"</p> + +<p>This went on throughout October, and Hobson announced that the mean + +temperature was no lower than 32? Fahrenheit, and it is well known that several + +days of cold, 7? or 8? below zero, are required for the sea to freeze hard.</p> + +<p>Had proof been needed that the ice-field was impassable, a fact noticed by + +Mrs Barnett and Hobson would have sufficed.</p> + +<p>The animals imprisoned in the island, the furred animals, reindeer, wolves, + +&c., would have left the island had it been possible to cross the sea, but + +they continued to gather in large numbers round the factory, and to seek the + +vicinity of man. The wolves came actually within musket-range of the enceinte to + +devour the martens and Polar hares, which were their only food. The famished + +reindeer having neither moss nor herbs on which to browse, roved about Cape + +Bathurst in herds. A solitary bear, no doubt the one to which Mrs Barnett and + +Kalumah felt they owed a debt of gratitude, often passed to and fro amongst the + +trees of the woods, on the banks of the lagoon, and the presence of all these + +animals, especially of the ruminants, which require an exclusively vegetable + +diet, proved that flight was impossible.</p> + +<p>We have said that the thermometer remained at freezing point, and Hobson + +found on consulting his journal that at the same time the year before, it had + +already marked 20? Fahrenheit below zero, proving how unequally cold is + +distributed in the capricious Polar regions.</p> + +<p>The colonists therefore did not suffer much, and were not confined to the + +house at all. It was, however, very damp indeed, rain mixed with snow fell + +constantly, and the falling of the barometer proved that the atmosphere was + +charged with vapour.</p> + +<p>Throughout October the Lieutenant and Long made many excursions to ascertain + +the state of the ice-field in the offing; one day they went to Cape Michael, + +another to the edge of the former Walruses' Bay, anxious to see if it would be + +possible to cross to the continent of America or Asia, or if the start would + +have to be put off.</p> + +<p>But the surface of the ice-field was covered with puddles of water, and in + +some parts riddled with holes, which would certainly have been impassable for + +sledges. It seemed as if it would be scarcely safe for a single traveller to + +venture across the half-liquid, half-solid masses. It was easy to see that the + +cold had been neither severe nor equally maintained, for the ice consisted of an + +accumulation of sharp points, crystals, prisms, polyhedrons, and figures of + +every variety, like an aggregation of stalactites. It was more like a glacier + +than a "field," and even if it had been practicable, walking on it would have + +been very tiring.</p> + +<p>Hobson and Long managed with great difficulty to scramble over a mile or two + +towards the south, but at the expense of a vast amount of time, so that they + +were compelled to admit that they must wait some time yet, and they returned to + +Fort Hope disappointed and disheartened.</p> + +<p>The first days of November came, and the temperature fell a little, but only + +a very few degrees, which was not nearly enough. Victoria Island was wrapped in + +damp fogs, and the lamps had to be lit during the day. It was necessary, + +however, to economise the oil as much as possible, as the supply was running + +short. No fresh stores had been brought by Captain Craventy's promised convoy, + +and there were no more walruses to be hunted. Should the dark winter be + +prolonged, the colonists would be compelled to have recourse to the fat of + +animals, perhaps even to the resin of the firs, to get a little light. The days + +were already very short, and the pale disc of the sun, yielding no warmth, and + +deprived of all its brightness, only appeared above the horizon for a few hours + +at a time. Yes, winter had come with its mists, its rain, and its snow, but + +without the long desired cold.</p> + +<p>On the 11th November something of a fete was held at Fort Hope. Mrs Joliffe + +served up a few extras at dinner, for it was the anniversary of the birth of + +little Michael Mac-Nab. He was now a year old, and was the delight of everybody. + +He had large blue eyes and fair curly hair, like his father, the head carpenter, + +who was very proud of the resemblance. At dessert the baby was solemnly weighed. + +It was worth something to see him struggling in the scales, and to hear his + +astonished cries! He actually weighed thirty-four pounds! The announcement of + +this wonderful weight was greeted with loud cheers, and Mrs Mac-Nab was + +congratulated by everybody on her fine boy. Why Corporal Joliffe felt that he + +ought to share the compliments it is difficult to imagine, unless it was as a + +kind of foster-father or nurse to the baby. He had carried the child about, + +dandled and rocked him so often, that he felt he had something to do with his + +specific weight!</p> + +<p>The next day, November 12th, the sun did not appear above the horizon. The + +long Polar night was beginning nine days sooner than it had done the year + +before, in consequence of the difference in the latitude of Victoria Island then + +and now.</p> + +<p>The disappearance of the sun did not, however, produce any change in the + +state of the atmosphere. The temperature was as changeable as ever. The + +thermometer fell one day and rose the next. Rain and snow succeeded each other. + +The wind was soft, and did not settle in any quarter, but often veered round to + +every point of the compass in the course of a single day. The constant damp was + +very unhealthy, and likely to lead to scorbutic affections amongst the + +colonists, but fortunately, although the lime juice and lime lozenges were + +running short, and no fresh stock had been obtained, the scurvy-grass and sorrel + +had yielded a very good crop, and, by the advice of Lieutenant Hobson, a portion + +of them was eaten daily.</p> + +<p>Every effort must, however, be made to get away from Fort Hope. Under the + +circumstances, three months would scarcely be long enough for them all to get to + +the nearest continent. It was impossible to risk being overtaken by the thaw on + +the ice-field, and therefore if they started at all it must be at the end of + +November.</p> + +<p>The journey would have been difficult enough, even if the ice had been + +rendered solid everywhere by a severe winter, and in this uncertain weather it + +was a most serious matter.</p> + +<p>On the 13th November, Hobson, Mrs Barnett, and the Sergeant met to decide on + +the day of departure. The Sergeant was of opinion that they ought to leave the + +island as soon as possible.</p> + +<p>"For," he said, "we must make allowance for all the possible delays during a + +march of six hundred miles. We ought to reach the continent before March, or we + +may be surprised by the thaw, and then we shall be in a worse predicament than + +we are on our island."</p> + +<p>"But," said Mrs Barnett, "is the sea firm enough for us to cross it?"</p> + +<p>"I think it is," said Long, "and the ice gets thicker every day. The + +barometer, too, is gradually rising, and by the time our preparations are + +completed, which will be in about another week, I think, I hope that the really + +cold weather will have set in."</p> + +<p>"The winter has begun very badly," said Hobson, "in fact everything seems to + +combine against us. Strange seasons have often been experienced on these seas, I + +have heard of whalers being able to navigate in places where, even in the summer + +at another time they would not have had an inch of water beneath their keels. In + +my opinion there is not a day to be lost, and I cannot sufficiently regret that + +the ordinary temperature of these regions does not assist us."</p> + +<p>"It will later," said Mrs Barnett, "and we must be ready to take advantage of + +every chance in our favour. When do you propose starting, Lieutenant?"</p> + +<p>"At the end of November at the latest," replied Hobson, "but if in a week + +hence our preparations are finished, and the route appears practicable, we will + +start then."</p> + +<p>"Very well," said Long, "we will get ready without losing an instant."</p> + +<p>"Then," said Mrs Barnett, "you will now tell our companions of the situation + +in which they are placed?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, madam, the moment to speak and the time for action have alike + +arrived."</p> + +<p>"And when do you propose enlightening them?"</p> + +<p>"At once. Sergeant Long," he added, turning to his subordinate, who at once + +drew himself up in a military attitude, "call all your men together in the large + +room to receive a communication."</p> + +<p>Sergeant Long touched his cap, and turning on his heel left the room without + +a word.</p> + +<p>For some minutes Mrs Barnett and Hobson were left alone, but neither of them + +spoke.</p> + +<p>The Sergeant quickly returned, and told Hobson that his orders were + +executed.</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant and the lady at once went into the large room. All the members + +of the colony, men and women, were assembled in the dimly lighted room.</p> + +<p>Hobson came forward, and standing in the centre of the group said very + +gravely-</p> + +<p>"My friends, until to-day I have felt it my duty, in order to spare you + +useless anxiety, to conceal from you the situation of our fort. An earthquake + +separated us from the continent. Cape Bathurst has broken away from the + +mainland. Our peninsula is but an island of ice, a wandering island"--</p> + +<p>At this moment Marbre stepped forward, and said quietly.</p> + +<p>"We knew it, sir!"</p> +<a name="BXII" id="BXII"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER XII.</h4> + +<h4><i>A CHANCE TO BE TRIED.</i></h4> + +<p>The brave fellows knew it then! And that they might not add to the cares of + +their chief, they had pretended to know nothing, and had worked away at the + +preparations for the winter with the same zeal as the year before.</p> + +<p>Tears of emotion stood in Hobson's eyes, and he made no attempt to conceal + +them, but seizing Marbre's outstretched hand, he pressed it in his own.</p> + +<p>Yes, the soldiers all knew it, for Marbre had guessed it long ago. The + +filling of the reindeer trap with salt water, the non-arrival of the detachment + +from Fort Reliance, the observations of latitude and longitude taken every day, + +which would have been useless on firm ground, the precautions observed by Hobson + +to prevent any one seeing him take the bearings, the fact of the animals + +remaining on the island after winter had set in, and the change in the position + +of the cardinal points during the last few days, which they had noticed at once, + +had all been tokens easily interpreted by the inhabitants of Fort Hope. The + +arrival of Kalumah had puzzled them, but they had concluded that she had been + +thrown upon the island in the storm, and they were right, as we are aware.</p> + +<p>Marbre, upon whom the truth had first dawned, confided his suspicions to + +Mac-Nab the carpenter and Rae the blacksmith. All three faced the situation + +calmly enough, and agreed that they ought to tell their comrades and wives, but + +decided to let the Lieutenant think they knew nothing, and to obey him without + +question as before.</p> + +<p>"You are indeed brave fellows, my friends," exclaimed Mrs Barnett, who was + +much touched by this delicate feeling, "you are true soldiers!"</p> + +<p>"Our Lieutenant may depend upon us," said Mac-Nab, "he has done his duty, and + +we will do ours."</p> + +<p>"I know you will, dear comrades," said Hobson, "and if only Heaven will help + +and not forsake us, we will help ourselves."</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant then related all that had happened since the time when the + +earthquake broke the isthmus, and converted the districts round Cape Bathurst + +into an island. He told how, when the sea became free from ice in the spring, + +the new island had been drifted more than two hundred miles away from the coast + +by an unknown current, how the hurricane had driven it back within sight of + +land, how it had again been carried away in the night of the 31st August, and, + +lastly, how Kalumah had bravely risked her life to come to the aid of her + +European friends. Then he enumerated the changes the island had undergone, + +explaining how the warmer waters had worn it away, and his fear that it might be + +carried to the Pacific, or seized by the Kamtchatka Current, concluding his + +narrative by stating that the wandering island had finally stopped on the 27th + +of last September.</p> + +<p>The chart of the Arctic seas was then brought, and Hobson pointed out the + +position occupied by the island-six hundred miles from all land.</p> + +<p>He ended by saying that the situation was extremely dangerous, that the + +island would inevitably be crushed when the ice broke up, and that, before + +having recourse to the boat-which could not be used until the next summer-they + +must try to get back to the American continent by crossing the ice-field.</p> + +<p>"We shall have six hundred miles to go in the cold and darkness of the Polar + +night. It will be hard work, my friends, but you know as well as I do that there + +can be no shrinking from the task."</p> + +<p>"When you give the signal to start, Lieutenant, we will follow you," said + +Mac-Nab.</p> + +<p>All being of one mind, the preparations for departure were from that date + +rapidly pushed forward. The men bravely faced the fact that they would have six + +hundred miles to travel under very trying circumstances. Sergeant Long + +superintended the works, whilst Hobson, the two hunters, and Mrs Barnett, often + +went to test the firmness of the ice-field. Kalumah frequently accompanied them, + +and her remarks, founded on experience, might possibly be of great use to the + +Lieutenant. Unless they were prevented they were to start on the 20th November, + +and there was not a moment to lose.</p> + +<p>As Hobson had foreseen, the wind having risen, the temperature fell slightly, + +and the column of mercury marked 24? Fahrenheit.</p> + +<p>Snow, which soon became hardened, replaced the rain of the preceding days. A + +few more days of such cold and sledges could be used. The little bay hollowed + +out of the cliffs of Cape Michael was partly filled with ice and snow; but it + +must not be forgotten that its calmer waters froze more quickly than those of + +the open sea, which were not yet in a satisfactory condition.</p> + +<p>The wind continued to blow almost incessantly, and with considerable + +violence, but the motion of waves interfered with the regular formation and + +consolidation of the ice. Large pools of water occurred here and there between + +the pieces of ice, and it was impossible to attempt to cross it.</p> + +<p>"The weather is certainly getting colder," observed Mrs Barnett to Lieutenant + +Hobson, as they were exploring the south of the island together on the 10th + +November, "the temperature is becoming lower and lower, and these liquid spaces + +will soon freeze over."</p> + +<p>"I think you are right, madam," replied Hobson, "but the way in which they + +will freeze over will not be very favourable to our plans. The pieces of ice are + +small, and their jagged edges will stick up all over the surface, making it very + +rough, so that if our sledges get over it at all, it will only be with very + +great difficulty."</p> + +<p>"But," resumed Mrs Barnett, "if I am not mistaken, a heavy fall of snow, + +lasting a few days or even a few hours, would suffice to level the entire + +surface!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes," replied Hobson, "but if snow should fall, it will be because the + +temperature has risen; and if it rises, the ice-field will break up again, so + +that either contingency will be against us!"</p> + +<p>"It really would be a strange freak of fortune if we should experience a + +temperate instead of an Arctic winter in the midst of the Polar Sea!" observed + +Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>"It has happened before, madam, it has happened before. Let me remind you of + +the great severity of last cold season; now it has been noticed that two long + +bitter winters seldom succeed each other, and the whalers of the northern seas + +know it well. A bitter winter when we should have been glad of a mild one, and a + +mild one when we so sorely need the reverse. It must be owned, we have been + +strangely unfortunate thus far! And when I think of six hundred miles to cross + +with women and a child!"...</p> + +<p>And Hobson pointed to the vast white plain, with strange irregular markings + +like <i>guipure</i> work, stretching away into the infinite</p> + +<p>"I know you will, dear comrades," said Hobson, "and if only Heaven will help + +and not forsake us, we will help ourselves."</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant then related all that had happened since the time when the + +earthquake broke the isthmus, and converted the districts round Cape Bathurst + +into an island. He told how, when the sea became free from ice in the spring, + +the new island had been drifted more than two hundred miles away from the coast + +by an unknown current, how the hurricane had driven it luck within sight of + +land, how it had again been carried away in the night of the 31st August, and, + +lastly, how Kalumah had bravely risked her life to come to the aid of her + +European friends. Then he enumerated the changes the island had undergone, + +explaining how the warmer waters had worn it away, and his fear that it might be + +carried to the Pacific, or seized by the Kamtchatka Current, concluding his + +narrative by stating that the wandering island had finally stopped on the 27th + +of last September.</p> + +<p>The chart of the Arctic seas was then brought, and Hobson pointed out the + +position occupied by the island-six hundred miles from all land.</p> + +<p>He ended by saying that the situation was extremely dangerous, that the + +island would inevitably be crushed when the ice broke up, and that, before + +having recourse to the boat-which could not be used until the next summer-they + +must try to get back to the American continent by crossing the ice-field.</p> + +<p>"We shall have six hundred miles to go in the cold and darkness of the Polar + +night. It will be hard work, my friends but you know as well as I do that there + +can be no shirking from the task" "When you give the signal to start, + +Lieutenant, we will follow you," said Mac-Nab.</p> + +<p>All being of one mind, the preparations for departure were from that date + +rapidly pushed forward. The men bravely faced the fact that they would have six + +hundred miles to travel under very trying circumstances. Sergeant Long + +superintended the works, whilst Hobson, the two hunters, and Mrs Barnett, often + +went to test the firmness of the ice-field Kalumah frequently accompanied them, + +and her remarks, founded on experience, might possibly be of great use to the + +Lieutenant. Unless they were prevented they were to start on the 20th November, + +and there was not a moment to lose.</p> + +<p>As Hobson had foreseen, the wind having risen, the temperature fell slightly, + +and the column of mercury marked 24? Fahrenheit.</p> + +<p>Snow, which soon became hardened, replaced the rain of the preceding days. A + +few more days of such cold and sledges could be used The little bay hollowed out + +of the cliffs of Cape Michael was partly filled with ice and snow, but it must + +not be forgotten that its calmer waters froze more quickly than those of the + +open sea, which were not yet in a satisfactory condition.</p> + +<p>The wind continued to blow almost incessantly, and with considerable + +violence, but the motion of waves interfered with the regular formation and + +consolidation of the ice. Large pools of water occurred here and there between + +the pieces of ice, and it was impossible to attempt to cross it.</p> + +<p>"The weather is certainly getting colder," observed Mrs Barnett to Lieutenant + +Hobson, as they were exploring the south of the island together on the 10th + +November, "the temperature is becoming lower and lower, and these liquid spaces + +will soon freeze over."</p> + +<p>"I think you are right, madam," replied Hobson, "but the way in which they + +will freeze over will not be very favourable to our plans. The pieces of ice are + +small, and their jagged edges will stick up all over the surface, making it very + +rough, so that if our sledges get over it at all, it will only be with very + +great difficulty."</p> + +<p>"But," resumed Mrs Barnett, "if I am not mistaken, a heavy fall of snow, + +lasting a few days or even a few hours, would suffice to level the entire + +surface!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes," replied Hobson, "but if snow should fall, it will be because the + +temperature has risen; and if it rises, the ice-field will break up again, so + +that either contingency will be against us!"</p> + +<p>"It really would be a strange freak of fortune if we should experience a + +temperate instead of an Arctic winter in the midst of the Polar Sea!" observed + +Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>"It has happened before, madam, it has happened before. Let me remind you of + +the great severity of last cold season; now it has been noticed that two long + +bitter winters seldom succeed each other, and the whalers of the northern seas + +know it well. A bitter winter when we should have been glad of a mild one, and a + +mild one when we so sorely need the reverse. It must be owned, we have been + +strangely unfortunate thus far! And when I think of six hundred miles to cross + +with women and a child!"...</p> + +<p>And Hobson pointed to the vast white plain, with strange irregular markings + +like <i>guipure</i> work, stretching away into the infinite distance. Sad and + +desolate enough it looked, the imperfectly frozen surface cracking every now and + +then with an ominous sound. A pale moon, its light half quenched in the damp + +mists, rose but a few degrees above the gloomy horizon and shot a few faint + +beams upon the melancholy scene. The half-darkness and the refraction combined + +doubled the size of every object. Icebergs of moderate height assumed gigantic + +proportions, and were in some cases distorted into the forms of fabulous + +monsters. Birds passed overhead with loud flapping of wings, and in consequence + +of this optical illusion the smallest of them appeared as large as a condor or a + +vulture. In the midst of the icebergs yawned apparently huge black tunnels, into + +which the boldest man would scarcely dare to venture, and now and then sudden + +convulsions took place, as the icebergs, worn away at the base, heeled over with + +a crash, the sonorous echoes taking up the sounds and carrying them along. The + +rapid changes resembled the transformation scenes of fairyland, and terrible + +indeed must all those phenomena have appeared to the luckless colonists who were + +about to venture across the ice-field!</p> + +<p>In spite of her moral and physical courage Mrs Barnett could not control an + +involuntary shudder. Soul and body alike shrunk from the awful prospect, and she + +was tempted to shut her eyes and stop her ears that she might see and hear no + +more. When the moon was for a moment veiled behind a heavy cloud, the gloom of + +the Polar landscape became still more awe-inspiring, and before her mind's eye + +rose a vision of the caravan of men and women struggling across these vast + +solitudes in the midst of hurricanes, snow-storms, avalanches, and in the thick + +darkness of the Arctic night!</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett, however, forced herself to look; she wished to accustom her eyes + +to these scenes, and to teach herself not to shrink from facing their terrors. + +But as she gazed a cry suddenly burst from her lips, and seizing Hobson's hand, + +she pointed to a huge object, of ill-defined dimensions, moving about in the + +uncertain light, scarcely a hundred paces from where they stood.</p> + +<p>It was a white monster of immense size, more than a hundred feet high. It was + +pacing slowly along over the broken ice, bounding from one piece to another, and + +beating the air with its huge feet, between which it could have held ten large + +dogs at least. It, too, seemed to be seeking a practicable path across the + +ice-it, too, seemed anxious to fly from the doomed island. The ice gave way + +beneath its weight, and it had often considerable difficulty in regaining its + +feet.</p> + +<p>The monster made its way thus for about a quarter of a mile across the ice, + +and then, its farther progress being barred, it turned round and advanced + +towards the spot where Mrs Barnett and the Lieutenant stood.</p> + +<p>Hobson seized the gun which was slung over his shoulder and presented it at + +the animal, but almost immediately lowering the weapon, he said to Mrs + +Barnett-</p> + +<p>"A bear, madam, only a bear, the size of which has been greatly magnified by + +refraction."</p> + +<p>It was, in fact, a Polar bear, and Mrs Barnett drew a long breath of relief + +as she understood the optical illusion of which she had been the victim. Then an + +idea struck her.</p> + +<p>"It is my bear!" she exclaimed, "the bear with the devotion of a Newfoundland + +dog! Probably the only one still on the island. But what is he doing here?"</p> + +<p>"He is trying to get away," replied Hobson, shaking his head. "He is trying + +to escape from this doomed island, and he cannot do so! He is proving to us that + +we cannot pass where he has had to turn back!"</p> + +<p>Hobson was right, the imprisoned animal had tried to leave the island and to + +get to the continent, and having failed it was returning to the coast. Shaking + +its head and growling, it passed some twenty paces from the two watchers, and, + +either not seeing them or disdaining to take any notice of them, it walked + +heavily on towards Cape Michael, and soon disappeared behind the rising + +ground.</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Hobson and Mrs Barnett returned sadly and silently to the + +fort.</p> + +<p>The preparations for departure went on as rapidly, however, as if it were + +possible to leave the island. Nothing was neglected to promote the success of + +the undertaking, every possible danger had to be foreseen, and not only had the + +ordinary difficulties and dangers of a journey across the ice to be allowed for, + +but also the sudden changes of weather peculiar to the Polar regions, which so + +obstinately resist every attempt to explore them.</p> + +<p>The teams of dogs required special attention. They were allowed to run about + +near the fort, that they might regain the activity of which too long a rest had, + +to some extent, deprived them, and they were soon in a condition to make a long + +march.</p> + +<p>The sledges were carefully examined and repaired. The rough surface of the + +ice-field would give them many violent shocks, and they were therefore + +thoroughly overhauled by Mac-Nab and his men, the inner framework and the curved + +fronts being carefully repaired and strengthened.</p> + +<p>Two large waggon sledges were built, one for the transport of provisions, the + +other for the peltries. These were to be drawn by the tamed reindeer, which had + +been well trained for the service. The peltries or furs were articles of luxury + +with which it was not perhaps quite prudent to burden the travellers, but Hobson + +was anxious to consider the interests of the Company as much as possible, + +although he was resolved to abandon them, <i>en route</i>, if they harassed or + +impeded his march. No fresh risk was run of injury of the furs, for of course + +they would have been lost if left at the factory.</p> + +<p>It was of course quite another matter with the provisions, of which a good + +and plentiful supply was absolutely necessary. It was of no use to count on the + +product of the chase this time. As soon as the passage of the ice-field became + +practicable, all the edible game would get on ahead and reach the mainland + +before the caravan. One waggon sledge was therefore packed with salt meat, + +corned beef, hare pates, dried fish, biscuits-the stock of which was + +unfortunately getting low-and an ample reserve of sorrel, scurvy-grass, rum, + +spirits of wine, for making warm drinks, &c. &c. Hobson would have been + +glad to take some fuel with him, as he would not meet with a tree, a shrub, or a + +bit of moss throughout the march of six hundred miles, nor could he hope for + +pieces of wreck or timber cast up by the sea, but he did not dare to overload + +his sledges with wood. Fortunately there was no lack of warm comfortable + +garments, and in case of need they could draw upon the reserve of peltries in + +the waggon.</p> + +<p>Thomas Black, who since his misfortune had altogether retired from the world, + +shunning his companions, taking part in none of the consultations, and remaining + +shut up in his own room, reappeared as soon as the day of departure was + +definitely fixed. But even then he attended to nothing but the sledge which was + +to carry his person, his instruments, and his registers. Always very silent, it + +was now impossible to get a word out of him. He had forgotten everything, even + +that he was a scientific man, and since he had been deceived about the eclipse, + +since the solution of the problem of the red prominences of the moon had escaped + +him, he had taken no notice of any of the peculiar phenomena of the high + +latitudes, such as the Aurora Borealis, halos, parhelia, &c.</p> + +<p>During the last few days every one worked so hard that all was ready for the + +start on the morning of the 18th November.</p> + +<p>But, alas! the ice-field was still impassable. Although the thermometer had + +fallen slightly, the cold had not been severe enough to freeze the surface of + +the sea, with any uniformity, and the snow which fell was fine and intermittent. + +Hobson, Marbre, and Sabine went along the coast every day from Cape Michael to + +what was once the corner of the old Walruses' Bay. They even ventured out about + +a mile and a half upon the ice-field, but were compelled to admit that it was + +broken by rents, crevasses, and fissures in every direction. Not only would it + +be impossible for sledges to cross it, it was dangerous for unencumbered + +pedestrians. Hobson and his two men underwent the greatest fatigue in these + +short excursions, and more than once they ran a risk of being unable to get back + +to Victoria Island across the ever-changing, ever-moving blocks of ice.</p> + +<p>Really all nature seemed to be in league against the luckless colonists.</p> + +<p>On the 18th and 19th November, the thermometer rose, whilst the barometer + +fell. Fatal results were to be feared from this change in the state of the + +atmosphere. Whilst the cold decreased the sky became covered with clouds, which + +presently resolved themselves into heavy rain instead of the sadly-needed snow, + +the column of mercury standing at 34? Fahrenheit. These showers of comparatively + +warm water melted the snow and ice in many places, and the result can easily be + +imagined. It really seemed as if a thaw were setting in, and there were symptoms + +of a general breaking up of the ice-field. In spite of the dreadful weather, + +however, Hobson went to the south of the island every day, and every day + +returned more disheartened than before.</p> + +<p>On the 20th, a tempest resembling in violence that of the month before, broke + +upon the gloomy Arctic solitudes, compelling the colonists to give up going out, + +and to remain shut up in Fort Hope for two days.</p> +<a name="BXIII" id="BXIII"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER XIII.</h4> + +<h4><i>ACROSS THE ICE-FIELD.</i></h4> + +<p>At last, on the 22d of November, the weather moderated. In a few hours the + +storm suddenly ceased. The wind veered round to the north, and the thermometer + +fell several degrees. A few birds capable of a long-sustained flight took wing + +and disappeared. There really seemed to be a likelihood that the temperature was + +at last going to become what it ought to be at this time of the year in such an + +elevated latitude. The colonists might well regret that it was not now what it + +had been during the last cold season, when the column of mercury fell to 72? + +Fahrenheit below zero.</p> + +<p>Hobson determined no longer to delay leaving Victoria Island, and on the + +morning of the 22d the whole of the little colony was ready to leave the island, + +which was now firmly welded to the ice-field, and by its means connected with + +the American continent, six hundred miles away.</p> + +<p>At half-past eleven A.M., Hobson gave the signal of departure. The sky was + +grey but clear, and lighted up from the horizon to the zenith by a magnificent + +Aurora Borealis. The dogs were harnessed to the sledges, and three couple of + +reindeer to the waggon sledges. Silently they wended their way towards Cape + +Michael, where they would quit the island, properly so called, for the + +ice-field.</p> + +<p>The caravan at first skirted along the wooded hill on the east of Lake + +Barnett, but as they were rounding the coiner all paused to look round for the + +last time at Cape Bathurst, which they were leaving never to return. A few + +snow-encrusted rafters stood out in the light of the Aurora Borealis, a few + +white lines marked the boundaries of the enceinte of the factory, a-white mass + +here and there, a few blue wreaths of smoke from the expiring fire never to be + +rekindled; this was all that could be seen of Fort Hope, now useless and + +deserted, but erected at the cost of so much labour and so much anxiety.</p> + +<p>"Farewell, farewell, to our poor Arctic home!" exclaimed Mrs. Barnett, waving + +her hand for the last time; and all sadly and silently resumed their + +journey.</p> + +<p>At one o'clock the detachment arrived at Cape Michael, after having rounded + +the gulf which the cold had imperfectly frozen over. Thus far the difficulties + +of the journey had not been very great, for the ground of the island was smooth + +compared to the ice-field, which was strewn with icebergs, hummocks, and packs, + +between which, practicable passes had to be found at the cost of an immense + +amount of fatigue.</p> + +<p>Towards the evening of the same day the party had advanced several miles on + +the ice-field, and a halt for the night was ordered; the encampment was to be + +formed by hollowing out snow-houses in the Esquimaux style. The work was quickly + +accomplished with the ice-chisels, and at eight o'clock, after a salt meat + +supper, every one had crept into the holes, which are much warmer than anybody + +would imagine.</p> + +<p>Before retiring, however, Mrs. Barnett asked the Lieutenant how far he + +thought they had come.</p> + +<p>"Not more than ten miles, I think," replied Hobson.</p> + +<p>"Ten from six hundred!" exclaimed Mrs Barnett. "At this rate, it will take us + +three months to get to the American continent!"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps more, madam," replied Hobson, "for we shall not be able to get on + +faster than this. We are not travelling as we were last year over the frozen + +plains between Fort Reliance and Cape Bathurst; but on a distorted ice-field + +crushed by the pressure of the icebergs across which there is no easy route. I + +expect to meet with almost insurmountable difficulties on the way; may we be + +able to conquer them! It is not of so much importance, however, to march quickly + +as to preserve our health, and I shall indeed think myself fortunate if all my + +comrades answer to their names in the roll-call on our arrival at Fort Reliance. + +Heaven grant we may have all landed at some point, no matter where, of the + +American continent in three months' time; if so, we shall never be able to + +return thanks enough."</p> + +<p>The night passed without incident; but during the long vigil which he kept, + +Hobson fancied he noticed certain ill-omened tremblings on the spot he had + +chosen for his encampment, and could not but fear that the vast ice-field was + +insufficiently cemented, and that there would be numerous rents in the surface + +which would greatly impede his progress, and render communication with firm + +ground very uncertain. Moreover, before he started, he had observed that none of + +the animals had left the vicinity of the fort, and they would certainly have + +sought a warmer climate had not their instinct warned them of obstacles in their + +way. Yet the Lieutenant felt that he had only done his duty in making this + +attempt to restore his little colony to an inhabited land, before the setting in + +of the thaw, and whether he succeeded or had to turn back he would have no + +reason to reproach himself.</p> + +<p>The next day, November 23d, the detachment could not even advance ten miles + +towards the east, so great were the difficulties met with. The ice-field was + +fearfully distorted, and here and there many layers of ice were piled one upon + +another, doubtless driven along by the irresistible force of the ice-wall into + +the vast funnel of the Arctic Ocean. Hence a confusion of masses of ice, which + +looked as if they had been suddenly dropped by a hand incapable of holding them, + +and strewn about in every direction.</p> + +<p>It was clear that a caravan of sledges, drawn by dogs and reindeer, could not + +possibly get over these blocks; and it was equally clear that a path could not + +be cut through them with the hatchet or ice-chisel. Some of the icebergs assumed + +extraordinary forms, and there were groups which looked like towns falling into + +ruins. Some towered three or four hundred feet above the level of the ice-field, + +and were capped with tottering masses of debris, which the slightest shake or + +shock or gust of wind would bring down in avalanches.</p> + +<p>The greatest precautions were, therefore, necessary in rounding these + +ice-mountains, and orders were given not to speak above a whisper, and not to + +excite the dogs by cracking the whips in these dangerous passes.</p> + +<p>But an immense amount of time was lost in looking for practicable passages, + +and the travellers were worn out with fatigue, often going ten miles round + +before they could advance one in the required direction towards the east. The + +only comfort was that the ground still remained firm beneath their feet.</p> + +<p>On the 24th November, however, fresh obstacles arose, which Hobson really + +feared, with considerable reason, would be insurmountable.</p> + +<p>After getting over one wall of ice which rose some twenty miles from Victoria + +Island, the party found themselves on a much less undulating ice-field, the + +different portions of which had evidently not been subjected to any great + +pressure. It was clear that in consequence of the direction of the currents the + +influence of the masses of permanent ice in the north had not here been felt, + +and Hobson and his comrades soon found that this ice-field was intersected with + +wide and deep crevasses not yet frozen over. The temperature here was + +comparatively warm, and the thermometer maintained a mean height of more than + +34? Fahrenheit. Salt water, as is well known, does not freeze so readily as + +fresh, but requires several degrees of cold below freezing point before it + +becomes solidified, and the sea was therefore still liquid. All the icebergs and + +floes here had come from latitudes farther north, and, if we may so express it, + +lived upon the cold they had brought with them. The whole of the southern + +portion of the Arctic Ocean was most imperfectly frozen, and a warm rain was + +falling, which hastened the dissolution of what ice there was.</p> + +<p>On the 24th November the advance of the travellers was absolutely arrested by + +a crevasse full of rough water strewn with small icicles-a crevasse not more + +than a hundred feet wide, it is true, but probably many miles long.</p> + +<p>For two whole hours the party skirted along the western edge of this gap, in + +the hope of coming to the end of it and getting to the other side, so as to + +resume their march to the east, but it was all in vain, they were obliged to + +give it up and encamp on the wrong side.</p> + +<p>Hobson and Long, however, proceeded for another quarter of a mile along the + +interminable crevasse, mentally cursing the mildness of the winter which had + +brought them into such a strait.</p> + +<p>"We must pass somehow," said Long, "for we can't stay where we are."</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes," replied the Lieutenant, "and we shall pass it, either by going up + +to the north, or down to the south, it must end somewhere. But after we have got + +round this we shall come to others, and so it will go on perhaps for hundred of + +miles, as long as this uncertain and most unfortunate weather continues!"</p> + +<p>"Well, Lieutenant, we must ascertain the truth once for all before we resume + +our journey," said the Sergeant.</p> + +<p>"We must indeed, Sergeant," replied Hobson firmly, "or we shall run a risk of + +not having crossed half the distance between us and America after travelling + +five or six hundred miles out of our way. Yes, before going farther, I must make + +quite sure of the state of the ice-field, and that is what I am about to + +do."</p> + +<p>And without another word Hobson stripped himself, plunged into the + +half-frozen water, and being a powerful swimmer a few strokes soon brought him + +to the other side of the crevasse, when he disappeared amongst the icebergs.</p> + +<p>A few hours later the Lieutenant reached the encampment, to which Long had + +already returned, in an exhausted condition. He took Mrs Barnett and the + +Sergeant aside, and told them that the ice-field was impracticable, adding-</p> + +<p>"Perhaps one man on foot without a sledge or any encumbrances might get + +across, but for a caravan it is impossible. The crevasses increase towards the + +east, and a boat would really be of more use than a sledge if we wish to reach + +the American coast"</p> + +<p>"Well," said Long, "if one man could cross, ought not one of us to attempt + +it, and go and seek assistance for the rest."</p> + +<p>"I thought of trying it myself," replied Hobson.</p> + +<p>"You, Lieutenant!"</p> + +<p>"You, sir!" cried Mrs Barnett and Long in one breath.</p> + +<p>These two exclamations showed Hobson how unexpected and inopportune his + +proposal appeared. How could he, the chief of the expedition, think of deserting + +those confided to him, even although it was in their interests and at great risk + +to himself. It was quite impossible, and the Lieutenant did not insist upon + +it.</p> + +<p>"Yes," he said, "I understand how it appears to you, my friends, and I will + +not abandon you. It would, indeed, be quite useless for any one to attempt the + +passage; he would not succeed, he would fall by the way, and find a watery grave + +when the thaw sets in. And even suppose he reached New Archangel, how could he + +come to our rescue? Would he charter a vessel to seek for us? Suppose he did, it + +could not start until after the thaw. And who can tell where the currents will + +then have taken Victoria Island, either yet farther north or to the Behring + +Sea!</p> + +<p>"Yes, Lieutenant, you are right," replied Long; "let us remain together, and + +if we are to be saved in a boat, there is Mac-Nab's on Victoria Island, and for + +it at least we shall not have to wait!"</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett had listened without saying a word, but she understood that the + +ice-field being impassible. they had now nothing to depend on but the + +carpenter's boat, and that they would have to wait bravely for the thaw.</p> + +<p>"What are you going to do, then?" she inquired at last.</p> + +<p>"Return to Victoria Island."</p> + +<p>"Let us return then, and God be with us!"</p> + +<p>The rest of the travellers had now gathered round the Lieutenant, and he laid + +his plans before them.</p> + +<p>At first all were disposed to rebel, the poor creatures had been counting on + +getting back to their homes, and felt absolutely crushed at the disappointment, + +but they soon recovered their dejection and declared themselves ready to + +obey.</p> + +<p>Hobson then told them the results of the examination he had just made. They + +learnt that the obstacles in their way on the east were so numerous that it + +would be absolutely impossible to pass with the sledges and their contents, and + +as the journey would last several months, the provisions, &c., could not be + +dispensed with.</p> + +<p>"We are now," added the Lieutenant, "cut off from all communication with the + +mainland, and by going farther towards the east we run a risk, after enduring + +great fatigues, of finding it impossible to get back to the island, now our only + +refuge. If the thaw should overtake us on the ice-field, we are lost. I have not + +disguised nor have I exaggerated the truth, and I know, my friends, that I am + +speaking to men who have found that I am not a man to turn back from + +difficulties. But I repeat, the task we have set ourselves is impossible!"</p> + +<p>The men trusted their chief implicitly. They knew his courage and energy, and + +felt as they listened to his words that it was indeed impossible to cross the + +ice. It was decided to start on the return journey to Fort Hope the next day, + +and it was accomplished under most distressing circumstances. The weather was + +dreadful, squalls swept down upon the ice-field, and rain fell in torrents. The + +difficulty of finding the way in the darkness through the labyrinth of icebergs + +can well be imagined!</p> + +<p>It took no less than four days and four nights to get back to the island. + +Several teams of dogs with their sledges fell into the crevasses, but thanks to + +Hobson's skill, prudence, and devotion, he lost not one of his party. But what + +terrible dangers and fatigues they had to go through, and how awful was the + +prospect of another winter on the wandering island to the unfortunate + +colonists!</p> +<a name="BXIV" id="BXIV"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER XIV.</h4> + +<h4><i>THE WINTER MONTHS</i>.</h4> + +<p>The party did not arrive at Fort Hope until the 28th, after a most arduous + +journey. They had now nothing to depend on but the boat, and that they could not + +use until the sea was open, which would not be for six months.</p> + +<p>Preparations for another winter were therefore made. The sledges were + +unloaded, the provisions put back in the pantry, and the clothes, arms, furs, + +&c., in the magazines. The dogs returned to their dog-house, and the + +reindeer to their stable.</p> + +<p>Great was the despair of Thomas Black at this return to seclusion. The poor + +astronomer carried his instruments, his books, and his MSS. back to his room, + +and more angry than ever with "the evil fate which pursued him," he held himself + +aloof from everything which went on in the factory.</p> + +<p>All were again settled at their usual winter avocations the day after their + +arrival, and the monotonous winter life once more commenced. Needlework, mending + +the clothes, taking care of the furs, some of which might yet be saved, the + +observation of the weather, the examination of the ice-field, and reading aloud, + +were the daily occupations. Mrs Barnett was, as before, the leader in + +everything, and her influence was everywhere felt. If, as sometimes happened, + +now that all were uneasy about the future, a slight disagreement occurred + +between any of the soldiers, a few words from Mrs Barnett soon set matters + +straight, for she had acquired wonderful power over the little world in which + +she moved, and she always used it for the good of the community.</p> + +<p>Kalumah had become a great favourite with everybody, for she was always + +pleasant and obliging. Mrs Barnett had undertaken her education, and she got on + +quickly, for she was both intelligent and eager to learn. She improved her + +English speaking, and also taught her to read and write in that language. There + +were, however, twelve masters for Kalumah, all eager to assist in this branch of + +her education, as the soldiers had all been taught reading, writing, and + +arithmetic either in England or in English colonies.</p> + +<p>The building of the boat proceeded rapidly, and it was to be planked and + +decked before the end of the month. Mac-Nab and some of his men worked hard in + +the darkness outside, with no light but the flames of burning resin, whilst + +others were busy making the rigging in the magazines of the factory. Although + +the season was now far advanced, the weather still remained very undecided. The + +cold was sometimes intense, but owing to the prevalence of west winds it never + +lasted long.</p> + +<p>Thus passed the whole of December, rain and intermittent falls of snow + +succeeded each other, the temperature meanwhile varying from 26? to 34? + +Fahrenheit. The consumption of fuel was moderate, although there was no need to + +economise it, the reserves being considerable. It was otherwise with the oil, + +upon which they depended for light, for the stock was getting so low that the + +Lieutenant could at last only allow the lamps to be lit for a few hours every + +day. He tried using reindeer fat for lighting the house, but the smell of it was + +so unbearable that every one preferred being in the dark. All work had of course + +to be given up for the time, and very tedious did the long dark hours + +appear.</p> + +<p>Some Aurora Borealis and two or three lunar halos appeared at full moon, and + +Thomas Black might now have minutely observed all these phenomenon, and have + +made precise calculations on their intensity, their coloration, connection with + +the electric state of the atmosphere, and their influence upon the magnetic + +needle, &c. But the astronomer did not even leave his room. His spirit was + +completely crushed.</p> + +<p>On the 30th December the light of the moon revealed a long circular line of + +icebergs shutting in the horizon on the north and east of Victoria Island. This + +was the ice-wall, the frozen masses of which were piled up to a height of some + +three or four hundred feet. Two-thirds of the island were hemmed in by this + +mighty barrier, and it seemed probable that the blockade would become yet more + +complete.</p> + +<p>The sky was clear for the first week of January. The new year, 1861, opened + +with very cold weather, and the column of mercury fell to 8? Fahrenheit. It was + +the lowest temperature that had yet been experienced in this singular winter, + +although it was anything but low for such a high latitude.</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant felt it his duty once more to take the latitude and longitude + +of the island by means of stellar observations, and found that its position had + +not changed at all.</p> + +<p>About this time, in spite of all their economy, the oil seemed likely to fail + +altogether. The sun would not appear above the horizon before early in February, + +so that there was a month to wait, during which there was a danger of the + +colonists having to remain in complete darkness. Thanks to the young Esquimaux, + +however, a fresh supply of oil for the lamps was obtained.</p> + +<p>On the 3rd January Kalumah walked to Cape Bathurst to examine the state of + +the ice. All along the south of the island the ice-field was very compact, the + +icicles of which it was composed were more firmly welded together, there were no + +liquid spaces between them, and the surface of the floe, though rough, was + +perfectly firm everywhere. This was no doubt caused by the pressure of the chain + +of icebergs on the horizon, which drove the ice towards the north, and squeezed + +it against the island.</p> + +<p>Although she saw no crevasses or rents, the young native noticed many + +circular holes neatly cut in the ice, the use of which she knew perfectly well. + +They were the holes kept open by seals imprisoned beneath the solid crust of + +ice, and by which they came to the surface to breathe and look for mosses under + +the snow on the coast.</p> + +<p>Kalumah knew that in the winter bears will crouch patiently near these holes, + +and watching for the moment when the seal comes out of the water, they rush upon + +it, hug it to death in their paws, and carry it off. She knew, too, that the + +Esquimaux, not less patient than the bears, also watch for the appearance of + +these animals, and throwing a running noose over their heads when they push them + +up, drag them to the surface.</p> + +<p>What bears and Esquimaux could do might certainly also be done by skilful + +hunters, and Kalumah hastened back to the fort to tell the Lieutenant of what + +she had seen, feeling sure that where these holes were seals were not far + +off.</p> + +<p>Hobson sent for the hunters, and the young native described to them the way + +in which the Esquimaux capture these animals in the winter, and begged them to + +try.</p> + +<p>She had not finished speaking before Sabine had a strong rope with a running + +noose ready in his hand and accompanied by Hobson, Mrs Barnett, Kalumah, and two + +or three soldiers, the hunters hurried to Cape Bathurst, and whilst the women + +remained on the beach, the men made their way to the holes pointed out by + +Kalumah. Each one was provided with a rope, and stationed himself at a different + +hole.</p> + +<p>A long time of waiting ensued-no sign of the seals, but at last the water in + +the hole Marbre had chosen began to bubble, and a head with long tusks appeared. + +It was that of a walrus. Marbre flung his running noose skilfully over its neck + +and pulled it tightly. His comrades rushed to his assistance, and with some + +difficulty the huge beast was dragged upon the ice, and despatched with + +hatchets.</p> + +<p>It was a great success, and the colonists were delighted with this novel + +fishing. Other walruses were taken in the same way, and furnished plenty of oil, + +which, though not strictly of the right sort, did very well for the lamps, and + +there was no longer any lack of light in any of the rooms of Fort Hope.</p> + +<p>The cold was even now not very severe, and had the colonists been on the + +American mainland they could only have rejoiced in the mildness of the winter. + +They were sheltered by the chain of icebergs from the north and west winds, and + +the month of January passed on with the thermometer never many degrees below + +freezing point, so that the sea round Victoria Island was never frozen hard. + +Fissures of more or less extent broke the regularity of the surface in the + +offing, as was proved by the continued presence of the ruminants and furred + +animals near the factory, all of which had become strangely tame, forming in + +fact part of the menagerie of the colony.</p> + +<p>According to Hobson's orders, all these creatures were unmolested. It would + +have been useless to kill them, and a reindeer was only occasionally slaughtered + +to obtain a fresh supply of venison. Some of the furred animals even ventured + +into the enceinte, and they were not driven away. The martens and foxes were in + +all the splendour of their winter clothing, and under ordinary circumstances + +would have been of immense value. These rodents found plenty of moss under the + +snow, thanks to the mildness of the season, and did not therefore live upon the + +reserves of the factory.</p> + +<p>It was with some apprehensions for the future that the end of the winter was + +awaited, but Mrs Barnett did all in her power to brighten the monotonous + +existence of her companions in exile.</p> + +<p>Only one incident occurred in the month of January, and that one was + +distressing enough. On the 7th, Michael Mac-Nab was taken ill-severe headache, + +great thirst and alternations of shivering and fever, soon reduced the poor + +little fellow to a sad state. His mother and father, and indeed all his friends, + +were in very great trouble. No one knew what to do, as it was impossible to say + +what his illness was, but Madge, who retained her senses about her, advised + +cooling drinks and poultices. Kalumah was indefatigable, remaining day and night + +by her favourite's bedside, and refusing to take any rest.</p> + +<p>About the third day there was no longer any doubt as to the nature of the + +malady. A rash came out all over the child's body, and it was evident that he + +had malignant scarlatina, which would certainly produce internal + +inflammation.</p> + +<p>Children of a year old are rarely attacked with this terrible disease, but + +cases do occasionally occur. The medicine-chest of the factory was necessarily + +insufficiently stocked, but Madge, who had nursed several patients through + +scarlet lever, remembered that tincture of belladonna was recommended, and + +administered one or two drops to the little invalid every day. The greatest care + +was taken lest he should catch cold; he was at once removed to his parents' + +room, and the rash soon came out freely. Tiny red points appeared on his tongue, + +his lips, and even on the globes of his eyes. Two days later his skin assumed a + +violet hue, then it became white and fell off in scales.</p> + +<p>It was now that double care was required to combat the great internal + +inflammation, which proved the severity of the attack, Nothing was neglected, + +the boy was, in fact, admirably nursed, and on the 20th January, twelve days + +after he was taken ill, he was pronounced out of danger.</p> + +<p>Great was the joy in the factory. The baby was the child of the fort, of the + +regiment! He was born in the terrible northern latitudes, in the colony itself, + +he had been named Michael Hope, and he had come to be regarded as a kind of + +talisman in the dangers and difficulties around, and all felt sure that God + +would not take him from them.</p> + +<p>Poor Kalumah would certainly not have survived him had he died, but he + +gradually recovered, and fresh hope seemed to come back when he was restored to + +the little circle.</p> + +<p>The 23d of January was now reached, after all these distressing alternations + +of hope and fear. The situation of Victoria Island had not changed in the least, + +and it was still wrapped in the gloom of the apparently interminable Polar + +night. Snow fell abundantly for some days, and was piled up on the ground to the + +height of two feet.</p> + +<p>On the 27th a somewhat alarming visit was received at the fort. The soldiers + +Belcher and Pond, when on guard in front of the enceinte in the morning, saw a + +huge bear quietly advancing towards the fort. They hurried into the large room, + +and told Mrs Barnett of the approach of the formidable carnivorous beast.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps it is only our bear again," observed Mrs Barnett to Hobson, and + +accompanied by him, and followed by the Sergeant, Sabine, and some soldiers + +provided with guns,-he fearlessly walked to the postern.</p> + +<p>The bear was now about two hundred paces off, and was walking along without + +hesitation, as if he had some settled plan in view.</p> + +<p>"I know him!" cried Mrs Barnett, "it is your bear, Kalumah, your + +preserver!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't kill my bear!" exclaimed the young Esquimaux.</p> + +<p>"He shall not be killed," said the Lieutenant, "don't injure him, my good + +fellows," he added to the men, "he will probably return as he came."</p> + +<p>"But suppose he intends coming into the enceinte?" said Long, who had his + +doubts as to the friendly propensities of Polar bears.</p> + +<p>"Let him come, Sergeant," said Mrs Barnett, "he is a prisoner like ourselves, + +and you know prisoners"-</p> + +<p>"Don't eat each other," added Hobson. "True, but only when they belong to the + +same species For your sake, however, we will spare this fellow-sufferer, and + +only defend ourselves if he attack us. I think, however, it will be as prudent + +to go back to the House. We must not put too strong a temptation in the way of + +our carnivorous friend!"</p> + +<p>This was certainly good advice, and all returned to the large room, the + +windows were closed, but not the shutters.</p> + +<p>Through the panes the movements of the visitor were watched. The bear, + +finding the postern unfastened, quietly pushed open the door, looked in, + +carefully examined the premises, and finally entered the enceinte. Having + +reached the centre, he examined the buildings around him, went towards the + +reindeer stable and dog-house, listened for a moment to the howlings of the dogs + +and the uneasy noises made by the reindeer, then continued his walk round the + +palisade, and at last came and leant his great head against one of the windows + +of the large room.</p> + +<p>To own the truth everybody started back, several of the soldiers seized their + +guns, and Sergeant Long began to fear he had let the joke go too far.</p> + +<p>But Kalumah came forward, and looked through the thin partition with her + +sweet eyes. The bear seemed to recognise her, at least so she thought, and + +doubtless satisfied with his inspection, he gave a hearty growl, and turning + +away left the enceinte, as Hobson had prophesied, as he entered it.</p> + +<p>This was the bear's first and last visit to the fort, and on his departure + +everything went on as quietly as before.</p> + +<p>The little boy's recovery progressed favourably, and at the end of the month + +he was as rosy and as bright as ever.</p> + +<p>At noon on the 3rd of February, the northern horizon was touched with a faint + +glimmer of light which did not fade away for an hour, and the yellow disc of the + +sun appeared for an instant for the first time since the commencement of the + +long Polar night.</p> +<a name="BXV" id="BXV"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER XV.</h4> + +<h4><i>THE LAST EXPLORING EXPEDITION.</i></h4> + +<p>From this date, February 3rd, the sun rose each day higher above the horizon, + +the nights were, however, still very long, and, as is often the case in + +February, the cold increased, the thermometer marking only 1o Fahrenheit, the + +lowest temperature experienced throughout this extraordinary winter.</p> + +<p>"When does the thaw commence in these northern seas?" inquired Mrs Barnett of + +the Lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"In ordinary seasons," replied Hobson, "the ice does not break up until early + +in May; but the winter has been so mild that unless a very hard frost should now + +set in, the thaw may commence at the beginning of April. At least that is my + +opinion." "We shall still have two months to wait then?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, two months, for it would not be prudent to launch our boat too soon + +amongst the floating ice; and I think our best plan will be to wait until our + +island has reached the narrowest part of Behring Strait, which is not more than + +two hundred miles wide."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?" exclaimed Mrs Barnett, considerably surprised at the + +Lieutenant's reply. "Have you forgotten that it was the Kamtchatka Current which + +brought us where we now are, and which may seize us again when the thaw sets in + +and carry us yet farther north?"</p> + +<p>"I do not think it will, madam; indeed I feel quite sure that that will not + +happen. The thaw always takes place in from north to south, and although the + +Kamtchatka Current runs the other way, the ice always goes down the Behring + +Current. Other reasons there are for my opinion which I cannot now enumerate. + +But the icebergs invariably drift towards the Pacific, and are there melted by + +its warmer waters. Ask Kalumah if I am not right. She knows these latitudes + +well, and will tell you that the thaw always proceeds from the north to the + +south."</p> + +<p>Kalumah when questioned confirmed all that the Lieutenant had said, so that + +it appeared probable that the island would be drifted to the south like a huge + +ice-floe, that is to say, to the narrowest part of Behring Strait, which is much + +frequented in the summer by the fishermen of New Archangel, who are the most + +experienced mariners of those waters. Making allowance for all delays they might + +then hope to set foot on the continent before May, and although the cold had not + +been very intense there was every reason to believe that the foundations of + +Victoria Island had been thickened and strengthened by a fresh accumulation of + +ice at the base, and that it would hold together for several months to come.</p> + +<p>There was then nothing for the colonists to do but to wait patiently,-still + +to wait!</p> + +<p>The convalescence of little Michael continued to progress favourably. On the + +20th of February he went out for the first time, forty days after he was taken + +ill. By this we mean that he went from his bedroom into the large room, where he + +was petted and made much of. His mother, acting by Madge's advice, put off + +weaning him for some little time, and he soon got back his strength. The + +soldiers had made many little toys for him during his illness, and he was now as + +happy as any child in the wide world.</p> + +<p>The last week of February was very wet, rain and snow falling alternately. A + +strong wind blew from the north-west, and the temperature was low enough for + +large quantities of snow to fall; the gale, however, increased in violence, and + +on the side of Cape Bathurst and the chain of icebergs the noise of the tempest + +was deafening. The huge ice-masses were flung against each other, and fell with + +a roar like that of thunder. The ice on the north was compressed and piled up on + +the shores of the island. There really seemed to be a danger that the cape + +itself-which was but a kind of iceberg capped with earth and sand-would be flung + +down.</p> + +<p>Some large pieces of ice, in spite of their weight, were driven to the very + +foot of the palisaded enceinte; but fortunately for the factory the cape + +retained its position; had it given way all the buildings must inevitably have + +been crushed beneath it.</p> + +<p>It will be easily understood that the position of Victoria Island, at the + +opening of a narrow strait about which the ice accumulated in large quantities, + +was extremely perilous, for it might at any time be swept by a horizontal + +avalanche, or crushed beneath the huge blocks of ice driven inland from the + +offing, and so become engulfed before the thaw. This was a new danger to be + +added to all the others already threatening the little band. Mrs Barnett, seeing + +the awful power of the pressure in the offing, and the violence with which the + +moving masses of ice crushed upon each other, realised the full magnitude of the + +peril they would all be in when the thaw commenced. She often mentioned her + +fears to the Lieutenant, and he shook his head like a man who had no reply to + +make.</p> + +<p>Early in March the squall ceased, and the full extent of the transformation + +of the ice-field was revealed. It seemed as if by a kind of <i>glissade</i> the + +chain of icebergs had drawn nearer to the island. In some parts it was not two + +miles distant, and it advanced like a glacier on the move, with the difference + +that the latter has a descending and the ice-wall a horizontal motion. Between + +the lofty chain of ice-mountains the ice-field was fearfully distorted: strewn + +with hummocks, broken obelisks, shattered blocks, overturned pyramids, it + +resembled a tempest-tossed sea or a ruined town, in which not a building or a + +monument had remained standing, and above it all the mighty icebergs reared + +their snowy crests, standing out against the sky with their pointed peaks, their + +rugged cones, and solid buttresses, forming a fitting frame for the weird + +fantastic landscape at their feet.</p> + +<p>At this date the little vessel was quite finished. This boat was rather heavy + +in shape, as might have been expected, but she did credit to Mac-Nab, and shaped + +as she was like a barge at the bows, she ought the better to withstand the + +shocks of the floating ice. She might have been taken for one of those Dutch + +boats which venture upon the northern waters. Her rig, which was completed, + +consisted, like that of a cutter, of a mainsail and a jib carried on a single + +mast. The tent canvass of the factory had been made use of for sailcloth.</p> + +<p>This boat would carry the whole colony, and if, as the Lieutenant hoped, the + +island were drifted to Behring Strait, the vessel would easily make her way to + +land, even from the widest part of the passage. There was then nothing to be + +done but wait for the thaw.</p> + +<p>Hobson now decided to make a long excursion to the south to ascertain the + +state of the ice-field, to see whether there were any signs of its breaking up, + +to examine the chain of icebergs by which it was hemmed in, to make sure, in + +short, whether it would really be useless to attempt to cross to the American + +continent. Many incidents might occur, many fresh dangers might arise before the + +thaw, and it would therefore be but prudent to make a reconnaissance on the + +ice-field.</p> + +<p>The expedition was organised and the start fixed for March 7th. Hobson, Mrs + +Barnett, Kalumah, Marbre, and Sabine were to go, and, if the route should be + +practicable, they would try and find a passage across the chain of icebergs. In + +any case, however, they were not to be absent for more than forty-eight + +hours.</p> + +<p>A good stock of provisions was prepared, and, well provided for every + +contingency, the little party left Fort Hope on the morning of the 7th March aid + +turned towards Cape Michael.</p> + +<p>The thermometer then marked 32? Fahrenheit. The atmosphere was misty, but the + +weather was perfectly calm. The sun was now above the horizon for seven or eight + +hours a day, and its oblique rays afforded plenty of light.</p> + +<p>At nine o'clock, after a short halt, the party descended the slope of Cape + +Michael and made their way across the ice-fields in a southeasterly direction. + +On this side the ice wall rose not three miles from the cape.</p> + +<p>The march was of course very slow. Every minute a crevasse had to be turned, + +or a hummock too high to be climbed. It was evident that a sledge could not have + +got over the rough distorted surface, which consisted of an accumulation of + +blocks of ice of every shape and size, some of which really seemed to retain + +their equilibrium by a miracle. Others had been but recently overturned, as + +could be seen from the clearly cut fractures and sharp corners. Not a sign was + +to be seen of any living creature, no footprints told of the passage of man or + +beast, and the very birds had deserted these awful solitudes.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett was astonished at the scene before her, and asked the Lieutenant + +how they could possibly have crossed the ice-fields if they had started in + +December, and he replied by reminding her that it was then in a very different + +condition; the enormous pressure of the advancing icebergs had not then + +commenced, the surface of the sea was comparatively even, and the only danger + +was from its insufficient solidification. The irregularities which now barred + +their passage did not exist early in the winter.</p> + +<p>They managed, however, to advance towards the mighty ice-wall, Kalumah + +generally leading the way. Like a chamois on the Alpine rocks, the young girl + +firmly treaded the ice-masses with a swiftness of foot and an absence of + +hesitation which was really marvellous. She knew by instinct the best way + +through the labyrinth of icebergs, and was an unerring guide to her + +companions.</p> + +<p>About noon the base of the ice-wall was reached, but it had taken three hours + +to get over three miles.</p> + +<p>The icy barrier presented a truly imposing appearance, rising as it did more + +than four hundred feet above the ice-field. The various strata of which it was + +formed were clearly defined, and the glistening surface was tinged with many a + +delicately-shaded hue. Jasper-like ribbons of green and blue alternated with + +streaks and dashes of all the colours of the rainbow, strewn with enamelled + +arabesques, sparkling crystals, and delicate ice-flowers. No cliff, however + +strangely distorted, could give any idea of this marvellous half opaque, half + +transparent ice-wall, and no description could do justice to the wonderful + +effects of <i>chiara-oscuro</i> produced upon it.</p> + +<p>It would not do, however, to approach too near to these beetling cliffs, the + +solidity of which was very doubtful. Internal fractures and rents were already + +commencing, the work of destruction and decomposition was proceeding rapidly, + +aided by the imprisoned air-bubbles; and the fragility of the huge structure, + +built up by the cold, was manifest to every eye. It could not survive the Arctic + +winter, it was doomed to melt beneath the sunbeams, and it contained material + +enough to feed large rivers.</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Hobson had warned his companions of the danger of the avalanches + +which constantly fall from the summits of the icebergs, and they did not + +therefore go far along their base. That this prudence was necessary was proved + +by the falling of a huge block, at two o'clock, at the entrance to a kind of + +valley which they were about to cross. It must have weighed more than a hundred + +tons, and it was dashed upon the ice-field with a fearful crash, bursting like a + +bomb-shell. Fortunately no one was hurt by the splinters.</p> + +<p>From two to five o'clock the explorers followed a narrow winding path leading + +down amongst the icebergs; they were anxious to know if it led right through + +them, but could not at once ascertain. In this valley, as it might be called, + +they were able to examine the internal structure of the icy barrier. The blocks + +of which it was built up were here arranged with greater symmetry than outside. + +In some places trunks of trees were seen embedded in the ice, all, however, of + +Tropical not Polar species, which had evidently been brought to Arctic regions + +by the Gulf Stream, and would be taken back to the ocean when the thaw should + +have converted into water the ice which now held them in its chill embrace.</p> + +<p>At five o'clock it became too dark to go any further. The travellers had not + +gone more than about two miles in the valley, but it was so sinuous, that it was + +impossible to estimate exactly the distance traversed.</p> + +<p>The signal to halt was given by the Lieutenant, and Marbre and Sabine quickly + +dug out a grotto in the ice with their chisels, into which the whole party + +crept, and after a good supper all were soon asleep.</p> + +<p>Every one was up at eight o'clock the next morning, and Hobson decided to + +follow the valley for another mile, in the hope of finding out whether it went + +right through the ice-wall. The direction of the pass, judging from the position + +of the sun, had now changed from north to south east, and as early as eleven + +o'clock the party came out on the opposite side of the chain of icebergs. The + +passage was therefore proved to run completely through the barrier.</p> + +<p>The aspect of the ice-field on the eastern side was exactly similar to that + +on the west. The same confusion of ice-masses, the same accumulation of hummocks + +and icebergs, as far as the eye could reach, with occasional alternations of + +smooth surfaces of small extent, intersected by numerous crevasses, the edges of + +which were already melting fast. The same complete solitude, the same desertion, + +not a bird, not an animal to be seen.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett climbed to the top of the hummock, and there remained for an + +hour, gazing upon the sad and desolate Polar landscape before her. Her thoughts + +involuntarily flew back to the miserable attempt to escape that had been made + +five months before. Once more she saw the men and women of the hapless caravan + +encamped in the darkness of these frozen solitudes, or struggling against + +insurmountable difficulties to reach the mainland.</p> + +<p>At last the Lieutenant broke in upon her reverie, and said-</p> + +<p>"Madam, it is more than twenty-four hours since we left the fort. We now know + +the thickness of the ice-wall, and as we promised not to be away longer than + +forty-eight hours, I think it is time to retrace our steps."</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett saw the justice of the Lieutenant's remark. They had ascertained + +that the barrier of ice was of moderate thickness, that it would melt away + +quickly enough to allow of the passage of Mac-Nab's boat after the thaw, and it + +would therefore be well to hasten back lest a snow-storm or change in the + +weather of any kind should render return through the winding valley + +difficult.</p> + +<p>The party breakfasted and set out on the return journey about one o'clock + +P.M.</p> + +<p>The night was passed as before in an ice-cavern, and the route resumed at + +eight o'clock the next morning, March 9th.</p> + +<p>The travellers now turned their backs upon the sun, as they were making for + +the west, but the weather was fine, and the orb of day, already high in the + +heavens, flung some of its rays across the valley and lit up the glittering + +ice-walls on either side.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett and Kalumah were a little behind the rest of the party chatting + +together, and looking about them as they wound through the narrow passages + +pointed out by Marbre and Sabine. They expected to get out of the valley + +quickly, and be back at the fort before sunset, as they had only two or three + +miles of the island to cross after leaving the ice. This would be a few hours + +after the time fixed, but not long enough to cause any serious anxiety to their + +friends at home.</p> + +<p>They made their calculation without allowing for an incident which no human + +perspicacity could possibly have foreseen.</p> + +<p>It was about ten o'clock when Marbre and Sabine, who were some twenty paces + +in advance of the rest, suddenly stopped and appeared to be debating some point. + +When the others came up, Sabine was holding out his compass to Marbre, who was + +staring at it with an expression of the utmost astonishment.</p> + +<p>"What an extraordinary thing!" he exclaimed, and added, turning to the + +Lieutenant-</p> + +<p>"Will you tell me, sir, the position of the island with regard to the + +ice-wall, is it on the east or west?"</p> + +<p>"On the west," replied Hobson, not a little surprised at the question, "you + +know that well enough, Marbre"</p> + +<p>"I know it well enough! I know it well enough!" repeated Marbre, shaking his + +head, "and if it is on the west, we are going wrong, and away from the + +inland!"</p> + +<p>"What, away from the island!" exclaimed the Lieutenant, struck with the + +hunter's air of conviction.</p> + +<p>"We are indeed, sir," said Marbre; "look at the compass; my name is not + +Marbre if it does not show that we are walking towards the east not the + +west!"</p> + +<p>"Impossible!" exclaimed Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>"Look, madam," said Sabine.</p> + +<p>It was true. The needle pointed in exactly the opposite direction to that + +expected. Hobson looked thoughtful and said nothing.</p> + +<p>"We must have made a mistake when we left the ice cavern this morning," + +observed Sabine, "we ought to have turned to the left instead of to the + +right."</p> + +<p>"No, no," said Mrs Barnett, "I am sure we did not make a mistake!"</p> + +<p>"But"--said Marbre.</p> + +<p>"But," interrupted Mrs Barnett, "look at the sun. Does it no longer rise in + +the east? Now as we turned our backs on it this morning, and it is still behind + +us, we must be walking towards the west, so that when we get out of the valley + +on the western side of the chain of icebergs, we must come to the island we left + +there."</p> + +<p>Marbre, struck dumb by this irrefutable argument, crossed his arms and said + +no more.</p> + +<p>"Then if so," said Sabine, "the sun and the compass are in complete + +contradiction of each other?"</p> + +<p>"At this moment they are," said Hobson, "and the reason is simple enough; in + +these high northern latitudes, and in latitudes in the neighbourhood of the + +magnetic pole, the compasses are sometimes disturbed, and the deviation of their + +needles is so great as entirely to mislead travellers."</p> + +<p>"All right then," said Marbre, "we have only to go on keeping our backs to + +the sun."</p> + +<p>"Certainly," replied Lieutenant Hobson, "there can be no hesitation which to + +choose, the sun or our compass, nothing disturbs the sun."</p> + +<p>The march was resumed, the sun was still behind them, and there was really no + +objection to be made to Hobson's theory, founded, as it was, upon the position + +then occupied by the radiant orb of day.</p> + +<p>The little troop marched on, but they did not get out of the valley as soon + +as they expected. Hobson had counted on leaving the ice-wall before noon, and it + +was past two when they reached the opening of the narrow pass.</p> + +<p>Strange as was this delay, it had not made any one uneasy, and the + +astonishment of all can readily be imagined when, on stepping on to the ice + +field, at the base of the chain of icebergs, no sign was to be seen of Victoria + +Island, which ought to have been opposite to them.</p> + +<p>Yes!-The island, which on this side had been such a conspicuous object, owing + +to the height of Cape Michael crowned with trees, had disappeared. In its place + +stretched a vast ice-field lit up by the sunbeams.</p> + +<p>All looked around them, and then at each other in amazement.</p> + +<p>"The island ought to be there!" cried Sabine.</p> + +<p>"But it is not there," said Marbre. "Oh, sir-Lieutenant-where is it? what has + +become of it?"</p> + +<p>But Hobson had not a word to say in reply, and Mrs Barnett was equally + +dumfounded.</p> + +<p>Kalumah now approached Lieutenant Hobson, and touching his arm, she said-</p> + +<p>"We went wrong in the valley, we went up it instead of down it, we shall only + +get back to where we were yesterday by crossing the chain of icebergs. Come, + +come!"</p> + +<p>Hobson and the others mechanically followed Kalumah, and trusting in the + +young native's sagacity, retraced their steps. Appearances were, however, + +certainly against her, for they were now walking towards the sun in an easterly + +direction.</p> + +<p>Kalumah did not explain her motives, but muttered as she went along-</p> + +<p>"Let us make haste!"</p> + +<p>All were quite exhausted, and could scarcely get along, when they found + +themselves on the other side of the ice-wall, after a walk of three hours. The + +night had now fallen, and it was too dark to see if the island was there, but + +they were not long left in doubt.</p> + +<p>At about a hundred paces off, burning torches were moving about, whilst + +reports of guns and shouts were heard.</p> + +<p>The explorers replied, and were soon joined by Sergeant Long and others, + +amongst them Thomas Black, whose anxiety as to the fate of his friends had at + +last roused him from his torpor. The poor fellows left on the island had been in + +a terrible state of uneasiness, thinking that Hobson and his party had lost + +their way. They were right, but what was it that had made them think so?</p> + +<p>Twenty-four hours before, the immense ice-field and the island had turned + +half round, and in consequence of this displacement they were no longer on the + +west, but on the east of the ice-wall!</p> +<a name="BXVI" id="BXVI"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER XVI</h4> + +<h4><i>THE BREAK-UP OF THE ICE</i></h4> + +<p>Two hours later all had returned to Fort Hope, and the next day the sun for + +the first time shone upon that part of the coast which was formerly on the west + +of the island. Kalumah, to whom this phenomenon was familiar, had been right, + +and if the sun had not been the guilty party neither had the compass!</p> + +<p>The position of Victoria Island with regard to the cardinal points was again + +completely changed. Since it had broken loose from the mainland the island-and + +not only the island, but the vast ice field in which it was enclosed-had turned + +half round. This displacement proved that the ice-field was not connected with + +the continent, and that the thaw would soon set in.</p> + +<p>"Well, Lieutenant," said Mrs. Barnett, "this change of front is certainly in + +our favour. Cape Bathurst and Fort Hope are now turned towards the north-east, + +in other words towards the point nearest to the continent, and the ice-wall, + +through which our boat could only have made its way by a difficult and dangerous + +passage, is no longer between us and America. And so all is for the best, is it + +not?" added Mrs. Barnett with a smile.</p> + +<p>"Indeed it is," replied Hobson, who fully realised all that was involved in + +this change of the position of Victoria Island.</p> + +<p>No incident occurred between the 10th and 21st March, but there were + +indications of the approaching change of season. The temperature varied from 43? + +to 50? Fahrenheit, and it appeared likely that the breaking up of the ice would + +commence suddenly. Fresh crevasses opened, and the unfrozen water flooded the + +surface of the ice. As the whalers poetically express it, the "wounds of the + +ice-field bled copiously," and the opening of these "wounds" was accompanied by + +a sound like the roar of artillery. A warm rain fell for several hours, and + +accelerated the dissolution of the solid coating of the ocean.</p> + +<p>The birds, ptarmigans, puffins, ducks, &c., which had deserted the island + +in the beginning of the winter, now returned in large numbers. Marbre and Sabine + +killed a few of them, and on some were found the tickets tied round their necks + +by the Lieutenant several months before. Flocks of white trumpeter swans also + +reappeared, and filled the air with their loud clarion tones; whilst the + +quadrupeds, rodents, and carnivora alike continued to frequent the vicinity of + +the fort like tame domestic animals.</p> + +<p>Whenever the state of the sky permitted, which was almost every day, Hobson + +took the altitude of the sun. Sometimes Mrs Barnett, who had become quite expert + +in handling the sextant, assisted him, or took the observation in his stead. It + +was now most important to note the very slightest changes in the latitude and + +longitude of the island. It was still doubtful to which current it would be + +subject after the thaw, and the question whether it would be drifted north or + +south was the chief subject of the discussions between the Lieutenant and Mrs + +Barnett.</p> + +<p>The brave lady had always given proof of an energy superior to that of most + +of her sex, and now she was to be seen every day braving fatigue, and venturing + +on to the half decomposed, or "pancake" ice, in all weathers, through snow or + +rain, and on her return to the factory ready to cheer and help everybody, and to + +superintend all that was going on. We must add that her efforts were ably + +seconded by the faithful Madge.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett had compelled herself to look the future firmly in the face, and + +although she could not fail to fear for the safety of all, and sad presentiments + +haunted her, she never allowed herself to betray any uneasiness. Her courage and + +confidence never seemed to waver, she was as ever the kind encouraging friend of + +each and all, and none could have dreamt of the conflict of spirit going on + +beneath her quiet exterior demeanour. Lieutenant Hobson's admiration of her + +character was unbounded, and he had also entire confidence in Kalumah, often + +trusting to her natural instinct as implicitly as a hunter to that of his + +dog.</p> + +<p>The young Esquimaux was, in fact, very intelligent, and familiar from + +babyhood with the phenomena of the Polar regions. On board a whaler she might + +have advantageously replaced many an ice-master or pilot whose business it is to + +guide a boat amongst the ice.</p> + +<p>Every day Kalumah went to examine the state of the ice-field.</p> + +<p>The nature of the noise produced by the breaking of the icebergs in the + +distance was enough to tell her how far the decomposition had advanced. No foot + +was surer than hers upon the ice, no one could spring more lightly forwards than + +she when her instinct told her that the smooth surface was rotten underneath, + +and she would scud across an ice-field riddled with fissures without a moment's + +hesitation.</p> + +<p>From the 20th to the 30th March, the thaw made rapid progress. Rain fell + +abundantly and accelerated the dissolution of the ice. It was to be hoped that + +the ice-field would soon open right across, and that in about fifteen days + +Hobson would be able to steer his boat into the open sea. He was determined to + +lose no time, as he did not know but that the Kamtchatka Current might sweep the + +island to the north before it could come under the influence of the Behring + +Current.</p> + +<p>"But," Kalumah repeated again and again, "there is no fear of that, the + +breaking up of the ice does not proceed upwards but downwards. The danger is + +there!" she added, pointing to the south in the direction of the vast Pacific + +Ocean.</p> + +<p>The young girl's confidence on this point reassured Hobson, for he had no + +reason now to dread the falling to pieces of the island in the warm waters of + +the Pacific. He meant everybody to be on board the boat before that could + +happen, and they would not have far to go to get to one or the other continent, + +as the strait is in reality a kind of funnel through which the waters flow + +between Cape East on the Asiatic side and Cape Prince of Wales on the + +American.</p> + +<p>This will explain the eager attention with which the slightest change in the + +position of the island was noticed. The bearings were taken every day, and + +everything was prepared for an approaching and perhaps sudden and hurried + +embarkation.</p> + +<p>Of course all the ordinary avocations of the factory were now discontinued. + +There was no hunting or setting of traps. The magazines were already piled up + +with furs, most of which would be lost. The hunters and trappers had literally + +nothing to do; but Mac-Nab and his men, having finished their boat, employed + +their leisure time in strengthening the principal house of the fort, which would + +probably be subjected to considerable pressure from the accumulation of ice on + +the coast during the further progress of the thaw, unless indeed Cape Bathurst + +should prove a sufficient protection. Strong struts were fixed against the + +outside walls, vertical props were placed inside the rooms to afford additional + +support to the beams of the ceiling, and the roof was strengthened so that it + +could bear a considerable weight. These various works were completed early in + +April, and their utility, or rather their vital importance, was very soon + +manifested.</p> + +<p>Each day brought fresh symptoms of returning spring, which seemed likely to + +set in early after this strangely mild Polar winter. A few tender shoots + +appeared upon the trees, and the newly-thawed sap swelled the bark of beeches, + +willows, and arbutus. Tiny mosses tinged with pale green the slopes under the + +direct influence of the sunbeams; but they were not likely to spread much, as + +the greedy rodents collected about the fort pounced upon and devoured them + +almost before they were above the ground.</p> + +<p>Great were the sufferings of Corporal Joliffe at this time. We know that he + +had undertaken to protect the plot of ground cultivated by his wife. Under + +ordinary circumstances he would merely have had to drive away feathered + +pilferers, such as guillemots or puffins, from his sorrel and scurvy grass. A + +scarecrow would have been enough to get rid of them, still more the Corporal in + +person. But now all the rodents and ruminants of the Arctic fauna combined to + +lay siege to his territory; reindeer, Polar hares, musk-rats, shrews, martens, + +&c., braved all the threatening gestures of the Corporal, and the poor man + +was in despair, for whilst he was defending one end of his field the enemy was + +preying upon the other.</p> + +<p>It would certainly have been wiser to let the poor creatures enjoy unmolested + +the crops which could be of no use to the colonists, as the fort was to be so + +soon abandoned, and Mrs Barnett tried to persuade the angry Corporal to do so, + +when he came to her twenty times a day with the same wearisome tale, but he + +would not listen to her:</p> + +<p>"To lose the fruit of all our trouble!" he repeated; "to leave an + +establishment which was prospering so well! To give up the plants Mrs Joliffe + +and I sowed so carefully!... O madam, sometimes I feel disposed to let you all + +go, and stay here with my wife! I am sure the Company would give up all claim on + +the island to us"--</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett could not help laughing at this absurd speech, and sent the + +Corporal to his little wife, who had long ago resigned herself to the loss of + +her sorrel, scurvy grass, and other medicinal herbs.</p> + +<p>We must here remark, that the health of all the colonists remained good, they + +had at least escaped illness; the baby, too, was now quite well again, and + +throve admirably in the mild weather of the early spring.</p> + +<p>The thaw continued to proceed rapidly from the 2nd to the 5th April. The + +weather was warm but cloudy, and rain fell frequently in large drops. The wind + +blew from the south west, and was laden with the heated dust of the continent. + +Unfortunately the sky was so hazy, that it was quite impossible to take + +observations, neither sun, moon, nor stars could be seen through the heavy + +mists, and this was the more provoking, as it was of the greatest importance to + +note the slightest movements of the island.</p> + +<p>It was on the night of the 7th April that the actual breaking up of the ice + +commenced. In the morning the Lieutenant, Mrs Barnett, Kalumah, and Sergeant + +Long, had climbed to the summit of Cape Bathurst, and saw that a great change + +had taken place in the chain of icebergs. The huge barrier had parted nearly in + +the middle, and now formed two separate masses, the larger of which seemed to be + +moving northwards.</p> + +<p>Was it the Kamtchatka Current which produced this motion? Would the floating + +island take the same direction? The intense anxiety of the Lieutenant and his + +companions can easily be imagined. Their fate might now be decided in a few + +hours, and if they should be drifted some hundred miles to the north, it would + +be very difficult to reach the continent in a vessel so small as theirs.</p> + +<p>Unfortunately it was impossible to ascertain the nature or extent of the + +displacement which was going on. One thing was, however, evident, the island was + +not yet moving, at least not in the same direction as the ice-wall. It therefore + +seemed probable that whilst part of the ice field was floating to the north, + +that portion immediately surrounding the island still remained stationary.</p> + +<p>This displacement of the icebergs did not in the least alter the opinion of + +the young Esquimaux. Kalumah still maintained that the thaw would proceed from + +north to south, and that the ice wall would shortly feel the influence of the + +Behring Current. To make herself more easily understood, she traced the + +direction of the current on the sand with a little piece of wood, and made signs + +that in following it the island must approach the American continent. No + +argument could shake her conviction on this point, and it was almost impossible + +not to feel reassured when listening to the confident expressions of the + +intelligent native girl.</p> + +<p>The events of the 8th, 9th, and 10th April, seemed, however, to prove Kalumah + +to be in the wrong. The northern portion of the chain of icebergs drifted + +farther and farther north. The breaking up of the ice proceeded rapidly and with + +a great noise, and the ice field opened all round the island with a deafening + +crash. Out of doors it was impossible to hear one's self speak, a ceaseless roar + +like that of artillery drowned every other sound.</p> + +<p>About half a mile from the coast on that part of the island overlooked by + +Cape Bathurst, the blocks of ice were already beginning to crowd together, and + +to pile themselves upon each other. The ice-wall had broken up into numerous + +separate icebergs, which were drifting towards the north. At least it seemed as + +if they were moving in that direction. Hobson became more and more uneasy, and + +nothing that Kalumah could say reassured him. He replied by counter-arguments, + +which could not shake her faith in her own belief.</p> + +<p>At last, on the morning of the 11th April, Hobson showed Kalumah the last + +icebergs disappearing in the north, and again endeavoured to prove to her that + +facts were against her.</p> + +<p>"No, no!" replied Kalumah, with an air of greater conviction than ever, "no, + +the icebergs are not going to the north, but our island is going to the + +south!"</p> + +<p>She might perhaps be right after all, and Hobson was much struck by this last + +reply. It was really possible that the motion of the icebergs towards the north + +was only apparent, and that Victoria Island, dragged along with the ice-field, + +was drifting towards the strait. But it was impossible to ascertain whether this + +were really the case, as neither the latitude nor longitude could be taken.</p> + +<p>The situation was aggravated by a phenomenon peculiar to the Polar regions, + +which rendered it still darker and more impossible to take observations of any + +kind.</p> + +<p>At the very time of the breaking up of the ice, the temperature fell several + +degrees. A dense mist presently enveloped the Arctic latitudes, but not an + +ordinary mist. The soil was covered with a white crust, totally distinct from + +hoar-frost-it was, in fact, a watery vapour which congeals on its precipitation. + +The minute particles of which this mist was composed formed a thick layer on + +trees, shrubs, the walls of the fort, and any projecting surface which bristled + +with pyramidal or prismatic crystals, the apexes of which pointed to the + +wind.</p> + +<p>Hobson at once understood the nature of this atmospheric phenomenon, which + +whalers and explorers have often noticed in the spring in the Polar regions.</p> + +<p>"It is not a mist or fog," he said to his companions, "it is a 'frost-rime', + +a dense vapour which remains in a state of complete congelation."</p> + +<p>But whether a fog or a frozen mist this phenomenon was none the less to be + +regretted, for it rose a hundred feet at least above the level of the sea, and + +it was so opaque that the colonists could not see each other when only two or + +three paces apart.</p> + +<p>Every one's disappointment was very great. Nature really seemed determined to + +try them to the uttermost. When the break up of the ice had come at last, when + +the wandering island was to leave the spot in which it had so long been + +imprisoned, and its movements ought to be watched with the greatest care, this + +fog prevented all observations.</p> + +<p>This state of things continued for four days. The frost-rime did not + +disappear until the 15th April, but on the morning of that date a strong wind + +from the south rent it open and dispersed it.</p> + +<p>The sun shone brightly once more, and Hobson eagerly seized his instruments. + +He took the altitude, and found that the exact position of Victoria Island was + +then: Latitude, 69? 57'; longitude, 179? 33'.</p> + +<p>Kalumah was right, Victoria Island, in the grasp of the Behring Current, was + +drifting towards the south.</p> +<a name="BXVII" id="BXVII"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER XVII.</h4> + +<h4><i>THE AVALANCHE.</i></h4> + +<p>The colonists were then at last approaching the more frequented latitudes of + +Behring Sea. There was no longer any danger that they would be drifted to the + +north, and all they had to do was to watch the displacement of the island, and + +to estimate the speed of its motion, which would probably be very unequal, on + +account of the obstacles in its path. Hobson most carefully noted every + +incident, taking alternately solar and stellar altitudes, and the next day, + +April 16th, after ascertaining the bearings, he calculated that if its present + +speed were maintained, Victoria Island would reach the Arctic Circle, from which + +it was now separated at the most by four degrees of latitude, towards the + +beginning of May.</p> + +<p>It was probable that, when the island reached the narrowest portion of the + +strait, it would remain stationary until the thaw broke it up, the boat would + +then be launched, and the colonists would set sail for the American + +continent.</p> + +<p>Everything was ready for an immediate embarkation, and the inhabitants of the + +island waited with greater patience and confidence than ever. They felt, poor + +things, that the end of their trials was surely near at last, and that nothing + +could prevent their landing on one side or the other of the strait in a few + +days.</p> + +<p>This prospect cheered them up wonderfully, and the gaiety natural to them + +all, which they had lost in the terrible anxiety they had so long endured, was + +restored. The common meals were quite festal, as there was no need for + +economising the stores under present circumstances. The influence of the spring + +became more and more sensibly felt, and every one enjoyed the balmy air, and + +breathed more freely than before.</p> + +<p>During the next few days, several excursions were made to the interior of the + +island and along the coast. Everywhere the furred animals, &c., still + +abounded, for even now they could not cross to the continent, the connection + +between it and the ice-field being broken, and their continued presence was a + +fresh proof that the island was no longer stationary.</p> + +<p>No change had taken place on the island at Cape Esquimaux, Cape Michael, + +along the coast, or on the wooded heights of the interior, and the banks of the + +lagoon. The large gulf which had opened near Cape Michael during the storm had + +closed in the winter, and there was no other fissure on the surface of the + +soil.</p> + +<p>During these excursions, bands of wolves were seen scudding across parts of + +the island. Of all the animals these fierce carnivorous beasts were the only + +ones which the feeling of a common danger had not tamed.</p> + +<p>Kalumah's preserver was seen several times. This worthy bear paced to and fro + +on the deserted plains in melancholy mood, pausing in his walk as the explorers + +passed, and sometimes following them to the fort, knowing well that he had + +nothing to fear from them.</p> + +<p>On the 20th April Lieutenant Hobson ascertained that the wandering island was + +still drifting to the south. All that remained of the ice-wall, that is to say, + +the southern portion of the icebergs, followed it, but as there were no bench + +marks, the changes of position could only be estimated by astronomical + +observations.</p> + +<p>Hobson took several soundings in different parts of the ground, especially at + +the foot of Cape Bathurst, and on the shores of the lagoon. He was anxious to + +ascertain the thickness of the layer of ice supporting the earth and sand, and + +found that it had not increased during the winter, and that the general level of + +the island did not appear to have risen higher above that of the sea. The + +conclusion he drew from these facts was, that no time should be lost in getting + +away from the fragile island, which would rapidly break up and dissolve in the + +warmer waters of the Pacific.</p> + +<p>About the 25th April the bearing of the island was again changed, the whole + +ice-field had moved round from east to west twelve points, so that Cape Bathurst + +pointed to the north-west. The last remains of the ice-wall now shut in the + +northern horizon, so that there could be no doubt that the ice-field was moving + +freely in the strait, and that it nowhere touched any land.</p> + +<p>The fatal moment was approaching. Diurnal or nocturnal observations gave the + +exact position of the island, and consequently of the ice-field. On the 30th of + +April, both were together drifting across Kotzebue Sound, a large triangular + +gulf running some distance inland on the American coast, and bounded on the + +south by Cape Prince of Wales, which might, perhaps, arrest the course of the + +island if it should deviate in the very least from the middle of the narrow + +pass.</p> + +<p>The weather was now pretty fine, and the column of mercury often marked 50? + +Fahrenheit. The colonists had left off their winter garments some weeks before, + +and held themselves in constant readiness to leave the island. Thomas Black had + +already transported his instruments and books into the boat, which was waiting + +on the beach. A good many provisions had also been embarked and some of the most + +valuable furs.</p> + +<p>On the 2d of May a very carefully taken observation showed that Victoria + +Island had a tendency to drift towards the east, and consequently to reach the + +American continent. This was fortunate, as they were now out of danger of being + +taken any farther by the Kamtchatka Current, which, as is well known, runs along + +the coast of Asia. At last the tide was turning in favour of the colonists!</p> + +<p>"I think our bad fortune is at last at an end," observed Sergeant Long to Mrs + +Barnett, "and that our misfortunes are really over; I don't suppose there are + +any more dangers to be feared now."</p> + +<p>"I quite agree with you," replied Mrs Barnett, "and it is very fortunate that + +we had to give up our journey across the ice-field a few months ago; we ought to + +be very thankful that it was impassible!"</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett was certainly justified in speaking as she did, for what fearful + +fatigues and sufferings they would all have had to undergo in crossing five + +hundred miles of ice in the darkness of the Polar night!</p> + +<p>On the 5th May, Hobson announced that Victoria Island had just crossed the + +Arctic Circle. It had at last re-entered that zone of the terrestrial sphere in + +which at one period of the year the sun does not set. The poor people all felt + +that they were returning to the inhabited globe.</p> + +<p>The event of crossing the Arctic Circle was celebrated in much the same way + +as crossing the Equator for the first time would be on board ship, and many a + +glass of spirits was drank in honour of the event.</p> + +<p>There was now nothing left to do but to wait till the broken and half-melted + +ice should allow of the passage of the boat, which was to bear the whole colony + +to the land.</p> + +<p>During the 7th May the island turned round to the extent of another quarter + +of its circumference. Cape Bathurst now pointed due north, and those masses of + +the old chain of icebergs which still remained standing were now above it, so + +that it occupied much the same position as that assigned to it in maps when it + +was united to the American continent. The island had gradually turned completely + +round, and the sun had risen successively on every point of its shores.</p> + +<p>The observations of the 8th May showed that the island had become stationary + +near the middle of the passage, at least forty miles from Cape Prince of Wales, + +so that land was now at a comparatively short distance from it, and the safety + +of all seemed to be secured.</p> + +<p>In the evening a good supper was served in the large room, and the healths of + +Mrs Barnett and of Lieutenant Hobson were proposed.</p> + +<p>The same night the Lieutenant determined to go and see if any changes had + +taken place in the ice-field on the south, hoping that a practicable passage + +might have been opened.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett was anxious to accompany him, but he persuaded her to rest a + +little instead, and started off, accompanied only by Sergeant Long.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett, Madge, and Kalumah returned to the principal house after seeing + +them off, and the soldiers and women had already gone to bed in the different + +apartments assigned to them.</p> + +<p>It was a fine night, there was no moon, but the stars shone very brightly, + +and as the ice-field vividly reflected their light, it was possible to see for a + +considerable distance.</p> + +<p>It was nine o'clock when the two explorers left the fort and turned towards + +that part of the coast between Port Barnett and Cape Michael. They followed the + +beach for about two miles, and found the ice-field in a state of positive chaos. + +The sea was one vast aggregation of crystals of every size, it looked as if it + +had been petrified suddenly when tossing in a tempest, and, alas, there was even + +now no free passage between the ice-masses-it would be impossible for a boat to + +pass yet.</p> + +<p>Hobson and Long remained on the ice-field talking and looking about them + +until midnight, and then seeing that there was still nothing to do but to wait, + +they decided to go back to Fort Hope and rest for a few hours.</p> + +<p>They had gone some hundred paces, and had reached the dried-up bed of Paulina + +River, when an unexpected noise arrested them. It was a distant rumbling from + +the northern part of the ice-field, and it became louder and louder until it was + +almost deafening. Something dreadful was going on in the quarter from which it + +came, and Hobson fancied he felt the ice beneath his feet trembling, which was + +certainly far from reassuring.</p> + +<p>"The noise comes from the chain of icebergs," exclaimed Long, "what can be + +going on there?"</p> + +<p>Hobson did not answer, but feeling dreadfully anxious he rushed towards the + +fort dragging his companion after him.</p> + +<p>"To the fort! to the fort." he cried at last, "the ice may have opened, we + +may be able to launch our boat on the sea!"</p> + +<p>And the two ran as fast as ever they could towards Fort Hope by the shortest + +way.</p> + +<p>A thousand conjectures crowded upon them. From what new phenomenon did the + +unexpected noise proceed? Did the sleeping inhabitants of the fort know what was + +going on? They must certainly have heard the noise, for, in vulgar language, it + +was loud enough to wake the dead.</p> + +<p>Hobson and Long crossed the two miles between them and Fort Hope in twenty + +minutes, but before they reached the enceinte they saw the men and women they + +had left asleep hurrying away in terrified disorder, uttering cries of + +despair.</p> + +<p>The carpenter Mac-Nab, seeing the Lieutenant, ran towards him with his little + +boy in his arms.</p> + +<p>"Look, sir, look!" he cried, drawing his master towards a little hill which + +rose a few yards behind the fort.</p> + +<p>Hobson obeyed, and saw that part of the ice-wall, which, when he left, was + +two or three miles off in the offing, had fallen upon the coast of the island. + +Cape Bathurst no longer existed, the mass of earth and sand of which it was + +composed had been swept away by the icebergs and scattered over the palisades. + +The principal house and all the buildings connected with it on the north were + +buried beneath the avalanche. Masses of ice were crowding upon each other and + +tumbling over with an awful crash, crushing everything beneath them. It was like + +an army of icebergs taking possession of the island.</p> + +<p>The boat which had been built at the foot of the cape was completely + +destroyed. The last hope of the unfortunate colonists was gone!</p> + +<p>As they stood watching the awful scene, the buildings, formerly occupied by + +the soldiers and women, and from which they had escaped in time, gave way + +beneath an immense block of ice which fell upon them. A cry of despair burst + +from the lips of the houseless outcasts.</p> + +<p>"And the others, where are they?" cried the Lieutenant in heart-rending + +tones.</p> + +<p>"There!" replied Mac-Nab, pointing to the heap of sand, earth, and ice, + +beneath which the principal house had entirely disappeared.</p> + +<p>Yes, the illustrious lady traveller, Madge, Kalumah, and Thomas Black, were + +buried beneath the avalanche which had surprised them in their sleep!</p> +<a name="BXVIII" id="BXVIII"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER XVIII.</h4> + +<h4><i>ALL AT WORK.</i></h4> + +<p>Fearful catastrophe had occurred. The ice-wall had been flung upon the + +wandering island, the volume below the water being five times that of the + +projecting part, it had come under the influence of the submarine currents, and, + +opening a way for itself between the broken ice-masses, it had fallen bodily + +upon Victoria Island, which, driven along by this mighty propelling force, was + +drifting rapidly to the south.</p> + +<p>Mac-Nab and his companions, aroused by the noise of the avalanche dashing + +down upon the dog-house, stable, and principal house, had been able to escape in + +time, but now the work of destruction was complete. Not a trace remained of the + +buildings in which they had slept, and the island was bearing all its + +inhabitants with it to the unfathomable depths of the ocean! Perhaps, however, + +Mrs Barnett, Madge, Kalumah, and the astronomer, were still living! Dead or + +alive they must be dug out.</p> + +<p>At this thought Hobson recovered his composure and shouted-</p> + +<p>"Get shovels and pickaxes! The house is strong! it may have held together! + +Let us set to work!"</p> + +<p>There were plenty of tools and pickaxes, but it was really impossible to + +approach the enceinte. The masses of ice were rolling down from the summits of + +the icebergs, and some parts of the ice-wall still towered amongst the ruins two + +hundred feet above the island. The force with which the tossing masses, which + +seemed to be surging all along the northern horizon, were overthrown can be + +imagined; the whole coast between the former Cape Bathurst and Cape Esquimaux + +was not only hemmed in, but literally invaded by these moving mountains, which, + +impelled by a force they could not resist, had already advanced more than a + +quarter of a mile inland.</p> + +<p>Every moment the trembling of the ground and a loud report gave notice that + +another of these masses had rolled over, and there was a danger that the island + +would sink beneath the weight thrown upon it. A very apparent lowering of the + +level had taken place all along that part of the coast near Cape Bathurst, it + +was evidently gradually sinking down, and the sea had already encroached nearly + +as far as the lagoon.</p> + +<p>The situation of the colonists was truly terrible, unable as they were to + +attempt to save their companions, and driven from the enceinte by the crashing + +avalanches, over which they had no power whatever. They could only wait, a prey + +to the most awful forebodings.</p> + +<p>Day dawned at last, and how fearful a scene was presented by the districts + +around Cape Bathurst! The horizon was shut in on every side by ice-masses, but + +their advance appeared to be checked for the moment at least. The ruins of the + +ice-wall were at rest, and it was only now and then that a few blocks rolled + +down from the still tottering crests of the remaining icebergs. But the whole + +mass-a great part of its volume being sunk beneath the surface of the sea-was in + +the grasp of a powerful current, and was driving the island along with it to the + +south, that is to say, to the ocean, in the depths of which they would alike be + +engulfed.</p> + +<p>Those who were thus borne along upon the island were not fully conscious of + +the peril in which they stood. They had their comrades to save, and amongst them + +the brave woman who had so won all their hearts, and for whom they would gladly + +have laid down their lives. The time for action had come, they could again + +approach the palisades, and there was not a moment to lose, as the poor + +creatures had already been buried beneath the avalanche for six hours.</p> + +<p>We have already said that Cape Bathurst no longer existed. Struck by a huge + +iceberg it had fallen bodily upon the factory, breaking the boat and crushing + +the dog-house and stable with the poor creatures in them. The principal house + +next disappeared beneath the masses of earth and sand, upon which rolled blocks + +of ice to a height of fifty or sixty feet. The court of the fort was filled up, + +of the palisade not a post was to be seen, and it was from beneath this + +accumulation of earth, sand, and ice, that the victims were to be dug out.</p> + +<p>Before beginning to work Hobson called the head carpenter to him, and asked + +if he thought the house could bear the weight of the avalanche.</p> + +<p>"I think so, sir," replied Mac-Nab; "in fact, I may almost say I am sure of + +it. You remember how we strengthened it, it has been 'casemated,' and the + +vertical beams between the ceilings and floors must have offered great + +resistance; moreover, the layer of earth and sand with which the roof was first + +covered must have broken the shock of the fall of the blocks of ice from the + +icebergs." "God grant you may be right, Mac-Nab," replied Hobson, "and that we + +may be spared the great grief of losing our friends!"</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant then sent for Mrs Joliffe, and asked her if plenty of + +provisions had been left in the house.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes," replied Mrs Joliffe, "there was plenty to eat in the pantry and + +kitchen."</p> + +<p>"And any water?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, water and rum too."</p> + +<p>"All right, then," said Hobson, "they will not be starved-but how about + +air?"</p> + +<p>To this question Mac-Nab could make no reply, and if, as he hoped, the house + +had not given way, the want of air would be the chief danger of the four + +victims. By prompt measures, however, they might yet be saved, and the first + +thing to be done was to open a communication with the outer air.</p> + +<p>All set to work zealously, men and women alike seizing shovels and pickaxes. + +The masses of ice, sand, and earth, were vigorously attacked at the risk of + +provoking fresh downfalls; but the proceedings were ably directed by + +Mac-Nab.</p> + +<p>It appeared to him best to begin at the top of the accumulated masses, so as + +to roll down loose blocks on the side of the lagoon. The smaller pieces were + +easily dealt with, with pick and crowbar, but the large blocks had to be broken + +up. Some of great size were melted with the aid of a large fire of resinous + +wood, and every means was tried to destroy or get rid of the ice in the shortest + +possible time.</p> + +<p>But so great was the accumulation, that although all worked without pause, + +except when they snatched a little food, there was no sensible diminution in its + +amount when the sun disappeared below the horizon. It was not, however, really + +of quite so great a height as before, and it was determined to go on working + +from above through the night, and when there was no longer any danger of fresh + +falls Mac-Nab hoped to be able to sink a vertical shaft in the compact mass, so + +as to admit the outer air to the house as soon as possible.</p> + +<p>All night long the party worked at the excavation, attacking the masses with + +iron and heat, as the one or the other seemed more likely to be effective. The + +men wielded the pickaxe whilst the women kept up the fires; but all were + +animated by one purpose-the saving of the lives of Mrs Barnett, Madge, Kalumah, + +and the astronomer.</p> + +<p>When morning dawned the poor creatures had been buried for thirty hours in + +air necessarily very impure under so thick a cover.</p> + +<p>The progress made in the night had been so great that Mac-Nab prepared to + +sink his shaft, which he meant to go straight down to the top of the house; and + +which, according to his calculation, would not have to be more than fifty feet + +deep. It would be easy enough to sink this shaft through the twenty feet of ice; + +but great difficulty would be experienced when the earth and sand were reached, + +as, being very brittle, they would of course constantly fill in the shaft, and + +its sides would therefore have to be lined. Long pieces of wood were prepared + +for this purpose, and the boring proceeded. Only three men could work at it + +together, and the soldiers relieved each other constantly, so that the + +excavation seemed likely to proceed rapidly.</p> + +<p>As might be supposed the poor fellows alternated between hope and fear when + +some obstacle delayed them. When a sudden fall undid their work they felt + +discouraged, and nothing but Mac-Nab's steady voice could have rallied them. As + +the men toiled in turn at their weary task the women stood watching them from + +the foot of a hill, saying little, but often praying silently. They had now + +nothing to do but to prepare the food, which the men devoured in their short + +intervals of repose.</p> + +<p>The boring proceeded without any very great difficulty, but the ice was so + +hard that the progress was but slow. At the end of the second day Mac-Nab had + +nearly reached the layer of earth and sand, and could not hope to get to the top + +of the house before the end of the next day.</p> + +<p>Night fell, but the work was continued by the light of torches. A + +"snow-house" was hastily dug out in one of the hummocks on the shore as a + +temporary shelter for the women and the little boy. The wind had veered to the + +south-west, and a cold rain began to fall, accompanied with occasional squalls; + +but neither the Lieutenant nor his men dreamt of leaving off work.</p> + +<p>Now began the worst part of the task. It was really impossible to bore in the + +shifting masses of sand and earth, and it became necessary to prop up the sides + +of the shaft with wood, the loose earth being drawn to the surface in a bucket + +hung on a rope. Of course under the circumstances the work could not proceed + +rapidly, falls might occur at any moment, and the miners were in danger of being + +buried in their turn.</p> + +<p>Mac-Nab was generally the one to remain at the bottom of the narrow shaft, + +directing the excavation, and frequently sounding with a long pick, but as it + +met with no resistance, it was evident that it did not reach the roof of the + +house.</p> + +<p>When the morning once more dawned, only ten feet had been excavated in the + +mass of earth and sand, so that twenty remained to be bored through before the + +roof of the house could be reached, that is to say, if it had not given way, and + +still occupied the position it did before the fall of the avalanche.</p> + +<p>It was now fifty-four hours since Mrs Barnett and her companions were + +buried!</p> + +<p>Mac-Nab and the Lieutenant often wondered if they on their side had made any + +effort to open a communication with the outer air. They felt sure that with her + +usual courage, Mrs Barnett would have tried to find some way out if her + +movements were free. Some tools had been left in the house, and Kellet, one of + +the carpenter's men, remembered leaving his pickaxe in the kitchen. The + +prisoners might have broken open one of the doors and begun to pierce a gallery + +across the layer of earth. But such a gallery could only be driven in a + +horizontal direction, and would be a much longer business than the sinking of a + +shaft from above, for the masses flung down by the avalanche, although only + +sixty feet deep, covered a space more than five hundred feet in diameter. Of + +course the prisoners could not be aware of this fact, and if they should succeed + +in boring their horizontal gallery, it would be eight days at least before they + +could cut through the last layer of ice, and by that time they would be totally + +deprived of air, if not of food.</p> + +<p>Nevertheless the Lieutenant carefully went over every portion of the + +accumulation himself, and listened intently for any sounds of subterranean + +digging, but he heard nothing.</p> + +<p>On the return of day the men toiled with fresh energy, bucket after bucket + +was drawn to the surface of the shaft loaded with earth. The clumsy wooden props + +answered admirably in keeping the earth from filling in the pit, a few falls + +occurred, but they were rapidly checked, and no fresh misfortunes occurred + +throughout the day, except that the soldier Garry received a blow on the head + +from a falling block of ice. The wound was not however severe, and he would not + +leave his work.</p> + +<p>At four o'clock the shaft was fifty feet deep altogether, having been sunk + +through twenty feet of ice and thirty of sand and earth.</p> + +<p>It was at this depth that Mac-Nab had expected to reach the roof of the + +house, if it had resisted the pressure of the avalanche.</p> + +<p>He was then at the bottom of the shaft, and his disappointment and dismay can + +be imagined when, on driving his pickaxe into the ground as far as it would go, + +it met with no resistance whatever.</p> + +<p>Sabine was with him, and for a few moments he remained with his arms crossed, + +silently looking at his companion.</p> + +<p>"No roof then?" inquired the hunter.</p> + +<p>"Nothing whatever," replied the carpenter, "but let us work on, the roof has + +bent of course, but the floor of the loft cannot have given way. Another ten + +feet and we shall come to that floor, or else"--</p> + +<p>Mac-Nab did not finish his sentence, and the two resumed their work with the + +strength of despair.</p> + +<p>At six o'clock in the evening, another ten or twelve feet had been dug + +out.</p> + +<p>Mac-Nab sounded again, nothing yet, his pick still sunk in the shifting + +earth, and flinging it from him, he buried his face in his hands and + +muttered-</p> + +<p>"Poor things, poor things!" He then climbed to the opening of the shaft by + +means of the wood-work.</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant and the Sergeant were together in greater anxiety than ever, + +and taking them aside, the carpenter told them of his dreadful + +disappointment.</p> + +<p>"Then," observed Hobson, "the house must have been crushed by the avalanche, + +and the poor people in it"--</p> + +<p>"No!" cried the head-carpenter with earnest conviction, "no, it cannot have + +been crushed, it must have resisted, strengthened as it was. It cannot-it cannot + +have been crushed!"</p> + +<p>"Well, then, what has happened?" said the Lieutenant in a broken voice, his + +eyes filling with tears.</p> + +<p>"Simply this," replied Mac-Nab, "the house itself has remained intact, but + +the ground on which it was built must have sunk. The house has gone through the + +crust of ice which forms the foundation of the island. It has not been crushed, + +but engulfed, and the poor creatures in it"--</p> + +<p>"Are drowned!" cried Long.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Sergeant, drowned without a moment's notice-drowned like passengers on + +a foundered vessel!"</p> + +<p>For some minutes the three men remained silent. Mac-Nab's idea was probably + +correct. Nothing was more likely than that the ice forming the foundation of the + +island had given way under such enormous pressure. The vertical props which + +supported the beams of the ceiling, and rested on those of the floor, had + +evidently aided the catastrophe by their weight, and the whole house had been + +engulfed.</p> + +<p>"Well, Mac-Nab," said Hobson at last, "if we cannot find them alive"--</p> + +<p>"We must recover their bodies," added the head carpenter.</p> + +<p>"And with these words Mac-Nab, accompanied by the Lieutenant, went back to + +his work at the bottom of the shaft without a word to any of his comrades of the + +terrible form his anxiety had now assumed.</p> + +<p>The excavation continued throughout the night, the men relieving each other + +every hour, and Hobson and Mac-Nab watched them at work without a moment's + +rest.</p> + +<p>At three o'clock in the morning Kellet's pickaxe struck against something + +hard, which gave out a ringing sound. The head carpenter felt it almost before + +he heard it.</p> + +<p>"We have reached them!" cried the soldier, "they are saved."</p> + +<p>"Hold your tongue, and go on working," replied the Lieutenant in a choked + +voice.</p> + +<p>It was now seventy-six hours since the avalanche fell upon the house!</p> + +<p>Kellet and his companion Pond resumed their work. The shaft must have nearly + +reached the level of the sea, and Mac-Nab therefore felt that all hope was + +gone.</p> + +<p>In less than twenty minutes the hard body which Kellet had struck was + +uncovered, and proved to be one of the rafters of the roof. The carpenter flung + +himself to the bottom of the shaft, and seizing a pickaxe sent the laths of the + +roof flying on every side. In a few moments a large aperture was made, and a + +figure appeared at it which it was difficult to recognise in the darkness.</p> + +<p>It was Kalumah!</p> + +<p>"Help! help!" she murmured feebly.</p> + +<p>Hobson let himself down through the opening, and found himself up to the + +waist in ice-cold water. Strange to say, the roof had not given way, but as + +Mac-Nab had supposed, the house had sunk, and was full of water. The water did + +not, however, yet fill the loft, and was not more than a foot above the floor. + +There was still a faint hope!</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant, feeling his way in the darkness, came across a motionless + +body, and dragging it to the opening he consigned it to Pond and Kellet. It was + +Thomas Black.</p> + +<p>Madge, also senseless, was next found; and she and the astronomer were drawn + +up to the surface of the ground with ropes, where the open air gradually + +restored them to consciousness.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett was still missing, but Kalumah led Hobson to the very end of the + +loft, and there he found the unhappy lady motionless and insensible, with her + +head scarcely out of the water.</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant lifted her in his arms and carried her to the opening, and a + +few moments later he had reached the outer air with his burden, followed by + +Mac-Nab with Kalumah.</p> + +<p>Every one gathered round Mrs Barnett in silent anxiety, and poor Kalumah, + +exhausted as she was, flung herself across her friend's body.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett still breathed, her heart still beat feebly, and revived by the + +pure fresh air she at last opened her eyes.</p> + +<p>A cry of joy burst from every lip, a cry of gratitude to Heaven for the great + +mercy vouchsafed, which was doubtless heard above.</p> + +<p>Day was now breaking in the east, the sun was rising above the horizon, + +lighting up the ocean with its brilliant beams, and Mrs Barnett painfully + +staggered to her feet. Looking round her from the summit of the new mountain + +formed by the avalanche, which overlooked the whole island, she murmured in a + +changed and hollow voice--</p> + +<p>"The sea! the sea!"</p> + +<p>Yes, the ocean now encircled the wandering island, the sea was open at last, + +and a true sea-horizon shut in the view from east to west.</p> +<a name="BXIX" id="BXIX"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER XIX.</h4> + +<h4><i>BEHRING SEA.</i></h4> + +<p>The island, driven by the ice-wall, had then drifted at a great speed into + +Behring Sea, after crossing the strait without running aground on its shores! It + +was still hurrying on before the icy barrier, which was in the grasp of a + +powerful submarine current, hastening onwards on to its inevitable dissolution + +in the warmer waters of the Pacific, and the boat on which all had depended was + +useless!</p> + +<p>As soon as Mrs Barnett had entirely recovered consciousness, she related in a + +few words the history of the seventy-four hours spent in the house now in the + +water. Thomas Black, Madge, and Kalumah had been aroused by the crash of the + +avalanche, and had rushed to the doors or windows. There was no longer any + +possibility of getting out, the mass of earth and sand, which was but a moment + +before Cape Bathurst, completely covered the house, and almost immediately + +afterwards the prisoners heard the crash of the huge ice-masses which were flung + +upon the factory.</p> + +<p>In another quarter of an hour all felt that the house, whilst resisting the + +enormous pressure, was sinking through the soil of the island. They knew that + +the crust of the ice must have given way, and that the house would fill with + +water!</p> + +<p>To seize a few provisions remaining in the pantry, and to take refuge in the + +loft, was the work of a moment. This the poor creatures did from a dim instinct + +of self-preservation, but what hope could they really have of being saved! + +However, the loft seemed likely to resist, and two blocks of ice abutting from + +the roof saved it from being immediately crushed.</p> + +<p>Whilst thus imprisoned the poor creatures could hear the constant falls from + +the icebergs, whilst the sea was gradually rising through the lower rooms. They + +must either be crushed or drowned!</p> + +<p>But by little short of a miracle, the roof of the house, with its strong + +framework, resisted the pressure, and after sinking a certain depth the house + +remained stationary, with the water rather above the floor of the loft. The + +prisoners were obliged to take refuge amongst the rafters of the roof, and there + +they remained for many hours. Kalumah devoted herself to the service of the + +others, and carried food to them through the water. They could make no attempt + +to save themselves, succour could only come from without.</p> + +<p>It was a terrible situation, for breathing was difficult in the vitiated air + +deficient as it was in oxygen, and charged with a great excess of carbonic + +acid.... A few hours later Hobson would only have found the corpses of his + +friends!</p> + +<p>The horror of the position was increased by the gushing of the water through + +the lower rooms, which convinced Mrs Barnett that the island was drifting to the + +south. She had, in fact, guessed the whole truth; she knew that the ice-wall had + +heeled over and fallen upon the island, and concluded that the boat was + +destroyed. It was this last fact which gave such terrible significance to her + +first words when she looked around her after her swoon-</p> + +<p>"The sea! the sea!"</p> + +<p>Those about her, however, could think of nothing yet but the fact, that they + +had saved her for whom they would have died, and with her Madge, Kalumah, and + +Thomas Black. Thus far not one of those who had joined the Lieutenant in his + +disastrous expedition had succumbed to any of the fearful dangers through which + +they had passed.</p> + +<p>But matters were not yet at their worst, and fresh troubles were soon to + +hasten the final catastrophe.</p> + +<p>Hobson's first care after Mrs Barnett's recovery was to take the bearings of + +the inland. It was listless now to think of quitting it, as the sea was open and + +their boat destroyed. A few ruins alone remained of the mighty ice-wall, the + +upper portion of which had crushed Cape Bathurst whilst the submerged base was + +driving the island to the south.</p> + +<p>The instruments and maps belonging to the astronomer were found in the ruins + +of the house, and were fortunately uninjured. The weather was cloudy, but Hobson + +succeeded in taking the altitude of the sun with sufficient accuracy for his + +purpose.</p> + +<p>We give the result obtained at noon on the 12th May. Victoria Island was then + +situated in longitude 168?12' west of Greenwich, and in latitude 63?37' N. The + +exact spot was looked out on the chart, and proved to be in Norton Sound, + +between Cape Tchaplin on the Asiatic and Cape Stephens on the American coast, + +but a hundred miles from either.</p> + +<p>"We must give up all hope of making the land of the continent then!" said Mrs + +Barnett.</p> + +<p>"Yes, madam," replied Hobson; "all hope of that is at an end; the current is + +carrying us with great rapidity out into the offing, and our only chance is, + +that we may pass within sight of a whaler."</p> + +<p>"Well, but," added Mrs Barnett, "if we cannot make the land of either + +continent, might not the current drive us on to one of the islands of Behring + +Sea?"</p> + +<p>There was, in fact, a slight possibility that such a thing might happen, and + +all eagerly clutched at the hope, like a drowning man at a plank. There are + +plenty of islands in Behring Sea, St Lawrence, St Matthew, Nunivak, St Paul, + +George island, &c. The wandering island was in fact at that moment not far + +from St Lawrence, which is of a considerable size, and surrounded with islets; + +and should it pass it without stopping, there was yet a hope that the cluster of + +the Aleutian Islands, bounding Behring Sea on the south, might arrest its + +course.</p> + +<p>Yes! St Lawrence might be a harbour of refuge for the colonists, and if it + +failed them, St Matthew, and the group of islets of which it is the centre, + +would still be left. It would not do, however, to count upon the Aleutian + +Islands, which were more than eight hundred miles away, and which they might + +never reach. Long, long before they got so far, Victoria Island, worn away by + +the warm sea-waves, and melted by the rays of the sun, which was already in the + +sign of Gemini, would most likely have sunk to the bottom of the ocean.</p> + +<p>There is, however, no fixed point beyond which floating ice does not advance. + +It approaches nearer to the equator in the southern than in the northern + +hemisphere. Icebergs have been seen off the Cape of Good Hope, at about + +thirty-six degrees south latitude, but those which come down from the Arctic + +Ocean have never passed forty degrees north latitude. The weather conditions, + +which are of course variable, determine the exact locality where ice will melt; + +in severe and prolonged winters it remains solid in comparatively low latitudes, + +and <i>vice versa</i> in early springs.</p> + +<p>Now the warm season of 1861 had set in very early, and this would hasten the + +dissolution of Victoria Island. The waters of Behring Sea had already changed + +from blue to green, as the great navigator Hudson observed they always do on the + +approach of icebergs, so that a catastrophe might be expected at any moment.</p> + +<p>Hobson determined to do his best to avert the coming misfortune, and ordered + +a raft to be constructed which would carry the whole colony, and might be guided + +to the continent somehow or other. There was every chance of meeting vessels now + +that the whaling season had commenced, and Mac-Nab was commissioned to make a + +large solid raft which would float when Victoria Island was engulfed.</p> + +<p>But first of all, it was necessary to construct some shelter for the homeless + +inhabitants of the island. The simple plan appeared to be to dig out the old + +barracks, which had been built on to the principal house, and the walls of which + +were still standing. Every one set to work with a hearty good-will, and in a few + +days a shelter was provided from the inclemencies of the fickle weather.</p> + +<p>Search was also made in the ruins of the large house, and a good many + +articles of more or less value were saved from the submerged rooms-tools, arms, + +furniture, the air pumps, and the air vessel, &c.</p> + +<p>On the 13th May all hope of drifting on to the island of St Lawrence had to + +be abandoned. When the bearings were taken, it was found that they were passing + +at a considerable distance to the east of that island; and, as Hobson was well + +aware, currents do not run against natural obstacles, but turn them, so that + +little hope could be entertained of thus making the land. It is true the network + +of islands in the Catherine Archipelago, scattered over several degrees of + +latitude, might stop the island if it ever got so far. But, as we have before + +stated, that was not probable, although it was advancing at great speed; for + +this speed must decrease considerably when the ice-wall which was driving it + +along should be broken away or dissolved, unprotected as it was from the heat of + +the sun by any covering of earth or sand.</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Hobson, Mrs Barnett, Sergeant Long, and the head carpenter often + +discussed these matters, and came to the conclusion that the island could + +certainly never reach the Aleutian group with so many chances against it.</p> + +<p>On the 14th May, Mac-Nab and his men commenced the construction of a huge + +raft. It had to be as high as possible above the water, to prevent the waves + +from breaking over it, so that it was really a formidable undertaking. The + +blacksmith, Rae, had fortunately found a large number of the iron bolts which + +had been brought from Fort Reliance, and they were invaluable for firmly + +fastening together the different portions of the framework of the raft.</p> + +<p>We must describe the novel site for the building of the raft suggested by + +Lieutenant Hobson. Instead of joining the timbers and planks together on the + +ground, they were joined on the surface of the lake. The different pieces of + +wood were prepared on the banks, and launched separately. They were then easily + +fitted together on the water. This mode of proceeding had two advantages:-</p> + +<p>1. The carpenter would be able at once to judge of the point of flotation, + +and the stability which should be given to the raft. 2. When Victoria Island + +melted, the raft would already be floating, and would not be liable to the + +shocks it would receive if on land when the inevitable break-up came.</p> + +<p>Whilst these works were going on, Hobson would wander about on the beach, + +either alone or with Mrs Barnett, examining the state of the sea, and the + +ever-changing windings of the coast-line, worn by the constant action of the + +waves. He would gaze upon the vast deserted ocean, from which the very icebergs + +had now disappeared, watching, ever watching, like a shipwrecked mariner, for + +the vessel which never came. The ocean solitudes were only frequented by + +cetacea, which came to feed upon the microscopic anima[l]culae which form their + +principal food, and abound in the green waters. Now and then floating trees of + +different kinds, which had been brought by the great ocean currents from warm + +latitudes, passed the island on their way to the north.</p> + +<p>On the 16th May, Mrs Barnett and Madge were walking together on that part of + +the island between the former Cape Bathurst and Port Barnett. It was a fine warm + +day, and there had been no traces of snow on the ground for some time; all that + +recalled the bitter cold of the Polar regions were the relics left by the + +ice-wall on the northern part of the island; but even these were rapidly + +melting, and every day fresh waterfalls poured from their summits and bathed + +their sides. Very soon the sun would have completely dissolved every atom of + +ice.</p> + +<p>Strange indeed was the aspect of Victoria Island. But for their terrible + +anxiety, the colonists must have gazed at it with eager interest. The ground was + +more prolific than it could have been in any former spring, transferred as it + +was to milder latitudes. The little mosses and tender flowers grew rapidly, and + +Mrs Joliffe's garden was wonderfully successful. The vegetation of every kind, + +hitherto checked by the rigour of the Arctic winter, was not only more abundant, + +but more brilliantly coloured. The hues of leaves and flowers were no longer + +pale and watery, but warm and glowing, like the sunbeams which called them + +forth. The arbutus, willow, birch, fir, and pine trees were clothed with dark + +verdure; the sap-sometimes heated in a temperature of 68? Fahrenheit-burst open + +the young buds; in a word, the Arctic landscape was completely transformed, for + +the island was now beneath the same parallel of latitude as Christiania or + +Stockholm, that is to say, in one of the finest districts of the temperate + +zones.</p> + +<p>But Mrs Barnett had now no eyes for these wonderful phenomena of nature. The + +shadow of the coming doom clouded her spirit. She shared the feeling of + +depression manifested by the hundreds of animals now collected round the + +factory. The foxes, martens, ermines, lynxes, beavers, musk-rats, gluttons, and + +even the wolves, rendered less savage by their instinctive knowledge of a common + +danger, approached nearer and nearer to their old enemy man, as if man could + +save them. It was a tacit, a touching acknowledgment of human superiority, under + +circumstances in which that superiority could be of absolutely no avail.</p> + +<p>No! Mrs Barnett cared no longer for the beauties of nature, and gazed without + +ceasing upon the boundless, pitiless, infinite ocean with its unbroken + +horizon.</p> + +<p>"Poor Madge!" she said at last to her faithful companion; "it was I who + +brought you to this terrible pass-you who have followed me everywhere, and whose + +fidelity deserved a far different recompense! Can you forgive me?"</p> + +<p>"There is but one thing I could never have forgiven you," replied Madge,-"a + +death I did not share!"</p> + +<p>"Ah, Madge!" cried Mrs Barnett, "if my death could save the lives of all + +these poor people, how gladly would I die!"</p> + +<p>"My dear girl," replied Madge, "have you lost all hope at last?"</p> + +<p>"I have indeed," murmured Mrs Barnett, hiding her face on Madge's + +shoulder.</p> + +<p>The strong masculine nature had given way at last, and Mrs Barnett was for a + +moment a feeble woman. Was not her emotion excusable in so awful a + +situation?</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett sobbed aloud, and large tears rolled down her cheeks.</p> + +<p>Madge kissed and caressed her, and tried all she could to reassure her; and + +presently, raising her head, her poor mistress said-</p> + +<p>"Do not tell them, Madge, how I have given way-do not betray that I have + +wept."</p> + +<p>"Of course not," said Madge, "and they would not believe me if I did. It was + +but a moment's weakness. Be yourself, dear girl; cheer up, and take fresh + +courage."</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to say you still hope yourself!" exclaimed Mrs Barnett, looking + +anxiously into her companion's face.</p> + +<p>"I still hope!" said Madge simply.</p> + +<p>But a few days afterwards, every chance of safety seemed to be indeed gone, + +when the wandering island passed outside the St Matthew group, and drifted away + +from the last land in Behring Sea!</p> +<a name="BXX" id="BXX"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER XX.</h4> + +<h4><i>IN THE OFFING.</i></h4> + +<p>Victoria Island was now floating in the widest part of Behring Sea, six + +hundred miles from the nearest of the Aleutian Islands, and two hundred miles + +from the nearest land, which was on the east. Supposing no accident happened, it + +would be three weeks at least before this southern boundary of Behring Sea could + +be reached.</p> + +<p>Could the island last so long? Might it not burst open at any moment, subject + +as it was even now to the constant action of tepid water, the mean temperature + +of which was more than 50? Fahrenheit?</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Hobson pressed on the construction of the raft as rapidly as + +possible, and the lower framework was already floating on the lagoon. Mac-Nab + +wished to make it as strong as possible, for it would have a considerable + +distance to go to reach the Aleutian Islands, unless they were fortunate enough + +to meet with a whaler.</p> + +<p>No important alteration had lately taken place in the general configuration + +of the island. Reconaissances were taken everyday, but great caution was + +necessary, as a fracture of the ground might at any moment cut off the explorers + +from the rest of the party.</p> + +<p>The wide gulf near Cape Michael, which the winter had closed, had reopened + +gradually, and now ran a mile inland, as far as the dried-up bed of the little + +river. It was probable that it was soon to extend to the bed itself, which was + +of course of little thickness, having been hollowed out by the stream. Should it + +do so, the whole district between Cape Michael and Port Barnett, bounded on the + +west by the river bed, would disappear-that is to say, the colonists would lose + +a good many square miles of their domain. On this account Hobson warned every + +one not to wander far, as a rough sea would be enough to bring about the dreaded + +catastrophe.</p> + +<p>Soundings were, however, taken, in several places with a view to ascertaining + +where the ice was thickest, and it was found that, near Cape Bathurst, not only + +was the layer of earth and sand of greater extent-which was of little + +importance-but the crust of ice was thicker than anywhere else. This was a most + +fortunate circumstance, and the holes made in sounding were kept open, so that + +the amount of diminution in the base of the island could be estimated every day. + +This diminution was slow but sure, and, making allowance for the unfortunate + +fact that the island was drifting into warmer waters, it was decided that it was + +impossible for it to last another three weeks.</p> + +<p>The next week, from the 19th to the 25th May, the weather was very bad. A + +fearful storm broke over the island, accompanied by flash after flash of + +lightning and peals of thunder. The sea rose high, lashed by a powerful + +north-west wind, and its waves broke over the doomed island, making it tremble + +ominously. The little colony were on the watch, ready on an emergency to embark + +in the raft, the scaffolding of which was nearly finished, and some provisions + +and fresh water were taken on board.</p> + +<p>Rain heavy enough to penetrate to the ice-crust fell in large quantities + +during this storm, and melted it in many places. On the slopes of some of the + +hills the earth was washed away, leaving the white foundations bare. These + +ravines were hastily filled up with soil to protect the ice from the action of + +the warm air and rain, and but for this precaution the soil would have been + +everywhere perforated.</p> + +<p>Great havoc was caused amongst the woods by this storm; the earth and sand + +were washed away from the roots of the trees, which fell in large numbers. In a + +single night the aspect of the country between the lake and the former Port + +Barnett was completely changed. A few groups of birch trees and thickets of firs + +alone remained-a fact significant of approaching decomposition, which no human + +skill could prevent! Every one knew and felt that the ephemeral inland was + +gradually succumbing-every one, except perhaps Thomas Black, who was still + +gloomily indifferent to all that was going on.</p> + +<p>On the 23d of May, during the storm, the hunter Sabine left the house in the + +thick fog, and was nearly drowned in a large hole which had opened during the + +night on the site formerly occupied by the principal house of the factory.</p> + +<p>Hitherto, as we are aware, the house, three quarters submerged, and buried + +beneath a mass of earth and sand, had remained fixed in the ice-crust beneath + +the island; but now the sea had evidently enlarged the crevasse, and the house + +with all it contained had sunk to rise no more. Earth and sand were pouring + +through this fissure, at the bottom of which surged the tempest-tossed waves</p> + +<p>Sabine's comrades, hearing his cries, rushed to his assistance, and were just + +in time to save him as he was still clinging to the slippery walls of the abyss. + +He escaped with a ducking which might have had tragic consequences.</p> + +<p>A little later the beams and planks of the house, which had slid under the + +island, were seen floating about in the offing like the spars of a wrecked + +vessel. This was the worst evil the storm had wrought, and would compromise the + +solidity of the island yet more, as the waves would now eat away the ice all + +round the crevasse.</p> + +<p>In the course of the 25th May, the wind veered to the north-east, and + +although it blew strongly, it was no longer a hurricane; the rain ceased, and + +the sea became calmer. After a quiet night the sun rose upon the desolate scene, + +the Lieutenant was able to take the bearings accurately, and obtained the + +following result:-</p> + +<p>At noon on the 25th May, Victoria Island was in latitude 56? 13', and + +longitude 170? 23'.</p> + +<p>It had therefore advanced at great speed, having drifted nearly eight hundred + +miles since the breaking up of the ice set it free in Behring Strait two months + +before.</p> + +<p>This great speed made the Lieutenant once more entertain a slight hope. He + +pointed out the Aleutian Islands on the map to his comrades, and said-</p> + +<p>"Look at these islands; they are not now two hundred miles from us, and we + +may reach them in eight days."</p> + +<p>"Eight days!" repeated Long, shaking his head; "eight days is a long + +time."</p> + +<p>"I must add," continued Hobson, "that if our island had followed the hundred + +and sixty-eighth meridian, it would already have reached the parallel of these + +islands, but in consequence of a deviation of the Behring current, it is bearing + +in a south-westerly direction."</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant was right, the current seemed likely to drag the island away + +from all land, even out of sight of the Aleutian Islands, which only extend as + +far as the hundred and seventieth meridian.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett examined the map in silence. She saw the pencil-mark which + +denoted the exact spot then occupied by the island.</p> + +<p>The map was made on a large scale, and the point representing the island + +looked but a speck upon the vast expanse of the Behring Sea. She traced back the + +route by which the island had come to its present position, marvelling at the + +fatality, or rather the immutable law, by which the currents which had borne it + +along had avoided all land, sheering clear of islands, and never touching either + +continent; and she saw the boundless Pacific Ocean, towards which she and all + +with her were hurrying.</p> + +<p>She mused long upon this melancholy subject, and at last exclaimed + +suddenly-</p> + +<p>"Could not the course of the island be controlled? Eight days at this pace + +would bring us to the last island of the Aleutian group."</p> + +<p>"Those eight days are in the hands of God," replied Lieutenant Hobson + +gravely; "we can exercise no control upon them. Help can only come to us from + +above; there is nothing left for us to try."</p> + +<p>"I know, I know!" said Mrs Barnett; "but Heaven helps those who help + +themselves. Is there really nothing we can do?"</p> + +<p>Hobson shook his head doubtfully. His only hope was in the raft, and he was + +undecided whether to embark every one on it at once, contrive some sort of a + +sail with clothes, &c., and try to reach the nearest land, or to wait yet a + +little longer.</p> + +<p>He consulted Sergeant Long, Mac-Nab, Rae, Marbre, and Sabine, in whom he had + +great confidence, and all agreed that it would be unwise to abandon the island + +before they were obliged. The raft, constantly swept as it would be by the + +waves, could only be a last resource, and would not move at half the pace of the + +island, still driven towards the south by the remains of the ice-wall. The wind + +generally blew from the east, and would be likely to drift the raft out into the + +offing away from all land. They must still wait then, always wait; for the + +island was drifting rapidly towards the Aleutians. When they really approached + +the group they would be able to see what it would be best to do.</p> + +<p>This was certainly the wisest course to take. In eight days, if the present + +speed were maintained, the island would either stop at the southern boundary of + +Behring Sea, or be dragged to the south west to the waters of the Pacific Ocean, + +where certain destruction awaited it.</p> + +<p>But the adverse fate which seemed all along to have followed the hapless + +colonists had yet another blow in store for them: the speed on which they + +counted was now to fail them, as everything else had done.</p> + +<p>During the night of the 26th May, the orientation of the island changed once + +more; and this time the results of the displacement were extremely serious. The + +island turned half round, and the icebergs still remaining of the huge ice-wall, + +which had shut in the northern horizon, were now on the south.</p> + +<p>In the morning the shipwrecked travellers-what name could be more + +appropriate?-saw the sun rise above Cape Esquimaux instead of above Port + +Barnett.</p> + +<p>Hardly a hundred yards off rose the icebergs, rapidly melting, but still of a + +considerable size, which till then had driven the island before them. The + +southern horizon was now partly shut in by them.</p> + +<p>What would be the consequences of this fresh change of position? Would not + +the icebergs now float away from the island, with which they were no longer + +connected?</p> + +<p>All were oppressed with a presentiment of some new misfortune, and understood + +only too well what Kellet meant when he exclaimed-</p> + +<p>"This evening we shall have lost our screw!'"</p> + +<p>By this Kellet meant that the icebergs, being before instead of behind the + +island, would soon leave it, and as it was they which imparted to it its rapid + +motion, in consequence of their very great draught of water-their volume being + +six or seven feet below the sea level for every one above-they would now go on + +without it, impelled by the submarine current, whilst Victoria Island, not deep + +enough in the water to come under the influence of the current, would be left + +floating helplessly on the waves.</p> + +<p>Yes! Kellet was right; the island would then be like a vessel with disabled + +masts and a broken screw.</p> + +<p>No one answered the soldier's remark, and a quarter of an hour had not + +elapsed before a loud cracking sound was heard. The summits of the icebergs + +trembled, large masses broke away, and the icebergs, irresistibly drawn along by + +the submarine current, drifted rapidly to the south.</p> +<a name="BXXI" id="BXXI"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER XXI.</h4> + +<h4><i>THE ISLAND BECOMES AN ISLET.</i></h4> + +<p>Three hours later the last relics of the ice-wall had disappeared, proving + +that the island now remained stationary, and that all the force of the current + +was deep down below the waves, not on the surface of the sea.</p> + +<p>The bearings were taken at noon with the greatest care and twenty-four hours + +later it was found that Victoria Island had not advanced one mile.</p> + +<p>The only remaining hope was that some vessel should sight the poor + +shipwrecked creatures, either whilst still on the island, or after they had + +taken to their raft.</p> + +<p>The island was now in 54? 33' latitude, and 177? 19' longitude, several + +hundred miles from the nearest land, namely, the Aleutian Islands.</p> + +<p>Hobson once more called his comrades together, and asked them what they + +thought it would be best to do.</p> + +<p>All agreed that they should remain on the island until it broke up, as it was + +too large to be affected by the state of the sea, and only take to the raft when + +the dissolution actually commenced. Once on the frail vessel, they must + +wait.</p> + +<p>Still wait!</p> + +<p>The raft was now finished. Mac-Nab had made one large shed or cabin big + +enough to hold every one, and to afford some little shelter from the weather. A + +mast had been prepared, which could be put up if necessary, and the sails + +intended for the boat had long been ready. The whole structure was strong, + +although clumsy; and if the wind were favourable, and the sea not too rough, + +this rude assortment of planks and timbers might save the lives of the whole + +party.</p> + +<p>"Nothing," observed Mrs Barnett,-"nothing is impossible to Him who rules the + +winds and waves."</p> + +<p>Hobson carefully looked over the stores of provisions. The reserves had been + +much damaged by the avalanche, but there were plenty of animals still on the + +island, and the abundant shrubs and mosses supplied them with food. A few + +reindeer and hares were slaughtered by the hunters, and their flesh salted for + +future needs.</p> + +<p>The health of the colonists was on the whole good. They had suffered little + +in the preceding mild winter, and all the mental trials they had gone through + +had not affected their physical well-being. They were, however, looking forward + +with something of a shrinking horror to the moment when they would have to + +abandon their island home, or, to speak more correctly, when it abandoned them. + +It was no wonder that they did not like the thought of floating on the ocean in + +a rude structure of wood subject to all the caprices of winds and waves. Even in + +tolerably fine weather seas would be shipped and every one constantly drenched + +with saltwater. Moreover, it must be remembered that the men were none of them + +sailors, accustomed to navigation, and ready to risk their lives on a few + +planks, but soldiers, trained for service on land. Their island was fragile, it + +is true, and rested on a thin crust of ice; but then it was covered with a + +productive soil, trees and shrubs flourished upon it, its huge bulk rendered it + +insensible to the motion of the waves, and it might have been supposed to be + +stationary. They had, in fact, become attached to Victoria Island, on which they + +had lived nearly two years; every inch of the ground had become familiar to + +them; they had tilled the soil, and had come safely through so many perils in + +their wandering home, that in leaving it they felt as if they were parting from + +an old and sorely-tried friend.</p> + +<p>Hobson fully sympathised with the feelings of his men, and understood their + +repugnance to embarking on the raft; but then he also knew that the catastrophe + +could not now be deferred much longer, and ominous symptoms already gave warning + +of its rapid approach.</p> + +<p>We will now describe this raft. It was thirty feet square, and its deck rose + +two feet above the water. Its bulwarks would therefore keep out the small but + +not the large waves. In the centre the carpenter had built a regular deck-house, + +which would hold some twenty people. Round it were large lockers for the + +provisions and water-casks, all firmly fixed to the deck with iron bolts. The + +mast, thirty feet high, was fastened to the deck-house, and strengthened with + +stays attached to the corners of the raft. This mast was to have a square sail, + +which would only be useful when the wind was aft. A sort of rudder was fixed to + +this rough structure, the fittings of which were necessarily incomplete.</p> + +<p>Such was the raft constructed by the head carpenter, on which twenty-one + +persons were to embark. It was floating peacefully on the little lake, strongly + +moored to the shore.</p> + +<p>It was certainly constructed with more care than if it had been put together + +in haste on a vessel at sea doomed to immediate destruction. It was stronger and + +better fitted up; but, after all, it was but a raft.</p> + +<p>On the 1st June a new incident occurred. Hope, one of the soldiers, went to + +fetch some water from the lake for culinary purposes, and when Mrs Joliffe + +tasted it, she found that it was salt. She called Hope, and said she wanted + +fresh, not salt water.</p> + +<p>The man replied that he had brought it from the lake as usual, and as he and + +Mrs Joliffe were disputing about it, the Lieutenant happened to come in. Hearing + +Hope's repeated [asertions] assertions that he had fetched the water from the + +lake, he turned pale and hurried to the lagoon.</p> + +<p>The waters were quite salt; the bottom of the lake had evidently given way, + +and the sea had flowed in.</p> + +<p>The fact quickly became known, and every one was seized with a terrible + +dread.</p> + +<p>"No more fresh water!" exclaimed all the poor creatures together.</p> + +<p>Lake Barnett had in fact disappeared, as Paulina River had done before.</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Hobson hastened to reassure his comrades about drinkable + +water.</p> + +<p>"There will be plenty of ice, my friends," he said. "We can always melt a + +piece of our island, and," he added, with a ghastly attempt at a smile, "I don't + +suppose we shall drink it all."</p> + +<p>It is, in fact, well known that salt separates from sea-water in freezing and + +evaporation. A few blocks of ice were therefore "disinterred," if we may so + +express it, and melted for daily use, and to fill the casks on board the + +raft.</p> + +<p>It would not do, however, to neglect this fresh warning given by nature. The + +invasion of the lake by the sea proved that the base of the island was rapidly + +melting. At any moment the ground might give way, and Hobson forbade his men to + +leave the factory, as they might be drifted away before they were aware of + +it.</p> + +<p>The animals seemed more keenly alive than ever to approaching danger; they + +gathered yet more closely round the firmer part, and after the disappearance of + +the fresh water lake, they came to lick the blocks of ice. They were all uneasy, + +and some seemed to be seized with madness, especially the wolves, who rushed + +wildly towards the factory, and dashed away again howling piteously. The furred + +animals remained huddled together round the large well where the principal house + +had formerly stood. There were several hundreds of them, of different species, + +and the solitary bear roamed backwards and forwards, showing no more hostility + +to the quadrupeds than to men.</p> + +<p>The number of birds, which had hitherto been considerable, now decreased. + +During the last few days all those capable of long-sustained flight-such as + +swans, &c, migrated towards the Aleutian Islands in the south, where they + +would find a sure refuge. This significant and ominous fact was noticed by Mrs + +Barnett and Madge, who were walking together on the beach.</p> + +<p>"There is plenty of food for these birds on the island," observed Mrs + +Barnett, "and yet they leave it-they have a good reason, no doubt."</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Madge; "their instinct of self-preservation makes them take + +flight, and they give us a warning by which we ought to profit. The animals also + +appear more uneasy than usual."</p> + +<p>Hobson now decided to take the greater part of the provisions and all the + +camping apparatus on board the raft, and when that was done, to embark with the + +whole party.</p> + +<p>The sea was, however, very rough, and the waters of the former lake-now a + +kind of Mediterranean in miniature-were greatly agitated. The waves, confined in + +the narrow space, dashed mountains high, and broke violently upon the steep + +banks. The raft tossed up and down, and shipped sea after sea. The embarkation + +of provisions, &c., had to be put off.</p> + +<p>Every one wished to pass one more quiet night on land, and Hobson yielded + +against his better judgment, determined, if it were calmer the next day, to + +proceed with the embarkation.</p> + +<p>The night was more peaceful than had been expected; the wind went down, and + +the sea became calmer; it had but been swept by one of those sudden and brief + +hurricanes peculiar to these latitudes.</p> + +<p>At eight o'clock in the evening the tumult ceased, and a slight surface + +agitation of the waters of lake and sea alone remained.</p> + +<p>It was some slight comfort that the island would not now be broken up + +suddenly, as it must have done had the storm continued. Its dissolution was, of + +course, still close at hand, but would not, it was hoped, be sudden and + +abrupt.</p> + +<p>The storm was succeeded by a slight fog, which seemed likely to thicken + +during the night. It came from the north, and owing to the changed position of + +the island, would probably cover the greater part of it.</p> + +<p>Before going to bed, Hobson went down and examined the moorings of the raft, + +which were fastened to some strong birch-trees. To make security doubly sure, he + +tightened them, and the worst that could now happen would be, that the raft + +would drift out on to the lagoon, which was not large enough to be lost upon + +it.</p> +<a name="BXXII" id="BXXII"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER XXII.</h4> + +<h4><i>THE FOUR FOLLOWING DAYS</i>.</h4> + +<p>The night was calm, and in the morning the Lieutenant resolved to order the + +embarkation of everything and everybody that very day. He, therefore, went down + +to the lake to look at the raft.</p> + +<p>The fog was still thick, but the sunbeams were beginning to struggle through + +it. The clouds had been swept away by the hurricane of the preceding day, and it + +seemed likely to be hot.</p> + +<p>When Hobson reached the banks of the lake, the fog was still too dense for + +him to make out anything on its surface, and he was waiting for it to clear + +away, when he was joined by Mrs Barnett, Madge, and several others.</p> + +<p>The fog gradually cleared off, drawing back to the end of the lake, but the + +raft was nowhere to be seen.</p> + +<p>Presently a gust of wind completely swept away the fog.</p> + +<p>The raft was gone! There was no longer a lake! The boundless ocean stretched + +away before the astonished colonists!</p> + +<p>Hobson could not check a cry of despair; and when he and his companions + +turned round and saw the sea on every side, they realised with a shock of horror + +that their island was now nothing more than an islet!</p> + +<p>During the night six-sevenths of the district once belonging to Cape Bathurst + +had silently floated away, without producing a shock of any kind, so completely + +had the ice been worn away by the constant action of the waves, the raft had + +drifted out into the offing, and those whose last hope it had been could not see + +a sign of it on the desolate sea.</p> + +<p>The unfortunate colonists were now overwhelmed with despair; their last hope + +gone, they were hanging above an awful abyss ready to swallow them up; and some + +of the soldiers in a fit of madness were about to throw themselves into the sea, + +when Mrs Barnett flung herself before them, entreating them to desist. They + +yielded, some of them weeping like children.</p> + +<p>The awful situation of the colonists was indeed manifest enough, and we may + +well pity the Lieutenant surrounded by the miserable despairing creatures. + +Twenty-one persons on an islet of ice which must quickly melt beneath their + +feet! The wooded hills had disappeared with the mass of the island now engulfed; + +not a tree was left. There was no wood remaining but the planks of the rough + +lodging, which would not be nearly enough to build a raft to hold so many. A few + +days of life were all the colonists could now hope for; June had set in, the + +mean temperature exceeded 68? Fahrenheit, and the islet must rapidly melt.</p> + +<p>As a forlorn hope, Hobson thought he would make a reconaissance of his + +limited domain, and see if any part of it was thicker than where they were all + +now encamped. In this excursion he was accompanied by Mrs Barnett and Madge.</p> + +<p>"Do you still hope!" inquired the lady of her faithful companion.</p> + +<p>"I hope ever!" replied Madge.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett did not answer, but walked rapidly along the coast at the + +Lieutenant's side. No alteration had taken place between Cape Bathurst and Cape + +Esquimaux, that is to say, for a distance of eight miles. It was at Cape + +Esquimaux that the fracture had taken place, and running inland, it followed a + +curved line as far as the beginning of the lagoon, from which point the shores + +of the lake, now bathed by the waves of the sea, formed the new coast-line. + +Towards the upper part of the lagoon there was another fracture, running as far + +as the coast, between Cape Bathurst and what was once Port Barnett, so that the + +islet was merely an oblong strip, not more than a mile wide anywhere.</p> + +<p>Of the hundred and forty square miles which once formed the total superficial + +area of the island, only twenty remained.</p> + +<p>Hobson most carefully examined the new conformation of the islet, and found + +that its thickest part was still at the site of the former factory. He decided, + +therefore, to retain the encampment where it was, and, strange to say, the + +instinct of the quadrupeds still led them to congregate about it.</p> + +<p>A great many of the animals had, however, disappeared with the rest of the + +island, amongst them many of the dogs which had escaped the former catastrophe. + +Most of the quadrupeds remaining were rodents; and the bear, which seemed + +terribly puzzled, paced round and round the islet like a caged animal.</p> + +<p>About five o'clock in the evening the three explorers returned to the camp. + +The men and women were gathered together in gloomy silence in the rough shelter + +still remaining to them, and Mrs Joliffe was preparing some food. Sabine, who + +was less overcome than his comrades, was wandering about in the hope of getting + +some fresh venison, and the astronomer was sitting apart from every one, gazing + +at the sea in an absent indifferent manner, as if nothing could ever rouse or + +astonish him again.</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant imparted the results of his excursion to the whole party. He + +told them that they were safer where they were than they would be on any other + +spot, and he urged them not to wander about, as there were signs of another + +approaching fracture half way between the camp and Cape Esquimaux. The + +superficial area of the islet would soon be yet further reduced, and they could + +do nothing, absolutely nothing.</p> + +<p>The day was really quite hot. The ice which had been "disinterred" for + +drinkable water melted before it was brought near the fire. Thin pieces of the + +ice crust of the steep beach fell off into the sea, and it was evident that the + +general level of the islet was being lowered by the constant wearing away of its + +base in the tepid waters.</p> + +<p>No one slept the next night. Who could have closed his eyes with the + +knowledge that the abyss beneath might open at any moment?-who but the little + +unconscious child who still smiled in his mother's arms, and was never for one + +instant out of them?</p> + +<p>The next morning, June 4th, the sun rose in a cloudless sky. No change had + +taken place in the conformation of the islet during the night.</p> + +<p>In the course of this day a terrified blue fox rushed into the shed, and + +could not be induced to leave it. The martens, ermines, polar hares, musk-rats, + +and beavers literally swarmed upon the site of the former factory. The wolves + +alone were unrepresented, and had probably all been swallowed up with the rest + +of the island. The bear no longer wandered from Cape Bathurst, and the furred + +animals seemed quite unconscious of its presence; nor did the colonists notice + +it much, absorbed as they were in the contemplation of the approaching doom, + +which had broken down all the ordinary distinctions of race.</p> + +<p>A little before noon a sudden hope-too soon to end in disappointment-revived + +the drooping spirits of the colonists.</p> + +<p>Sabine, who had been standing for some time on the highest part of the islet + +looking at the sea, suddenly cried-</p> + +<p>"A boat! a boat!"</p> + +<p>It was as if an electric shock had suddenly ran through the group, for all + +started up and rushed towards the hunter.</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant looked at him inquiringly, and the man pointed to a white + +vapour on the horizon. Not a word was spoken, but all watched in breathless + +silence as the form of a vessel gradually rose against the sky.</p> + +<p>It was indeed a ship, and most likely a whaler. There was no doubt about it, + +and at the end of an hour even the keel was visible.</p> + +<p>Unfortunately this vessel appeared on the east of the islet, that is to say, + +on the opposite side to that from which the raft had drifted, so that there + +could be no hope that it was coming to their rescue after meeting with the raft, + +which would have suggested the fact of fellow-creatures being in danger.</p> + +<p>The question now was, would those in this vessel perceive the islet? Would + +they be able to make out signals on it? Alas! in broad daylight, with a bright + +sun shining, it was not likely they would. Had it been night some of the planks + +of the remaining shed might have made a fire large enough to be seen at a + +considerable distance, but the boat would probably have disappeared before the + +darkness set in; and, although it seemed of little use, signals were made, and + +guns fired on the islet.</p> + +<p>The vessel was certainly approaching, and seemed to be a large three-master, + +evidently a whaler from New Archangel, which was on its way to Behring Strait + +after having doubled the peninsula of Alaska. It was to the windward of the + +islet, and tacking to starboard with its lower sails, top sails, and top-gallant + +sails all set. It was steadily advancing to the north. A sailor would have seen + +at a glance that it was not bearing towards the islet, but it might even yet + +perceive it, and alter its course.</p> + +<p>"If it does see us," whispered Hobson in Long's ear, "it is more likely to + +avoid us than to come nearer."</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant was right, for there is nothing vessels dread more in these + +latitudes than the approach of icebergs and ice-floes; they look upon them as + +floating rocks, against which there is a danger of striking, especially in the + +night, and they therefore hasten to change their course when ice is sighted; and + +this vessel would most likely do the same, if it noticed the islet at all.</p> + +<p>The alternations of hope and despair through which the anxious watchers + +passed may be imagined, but cannot be described. Until two o'clock in the + +afternoon they were able to believe that Heaven had at last taken pity on + +them-that help was coming-that their safety was assured. The vessel continued to + +approach in an oblique direction, and was presently not more than six miles from + +the islet. Signal after signal was tried, gun after gun fired, and some of the + +planks of the shed were burnt.</p> + +<p>All in vain-either they were not seen, or the vessel was anxious to avoid the + +islet.</p> + +<p>At half-past two it luffed slightly, and bore away to the northeast.</p> + +<p>In another hour a white vapour was all that was visible, and that soon + +disappeared.</p> + +<p>On this the soldier Kellet burst into a roar of hysterical laughter, and + +flinging himself on the ground, rolled over and over like a madman.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett turned and looked Madge full in the face, as if to ask her if she + +still hoped, and Madge turned away her head.</p> + +<p>On this same ill-fated day a crackling noise was heard, and the greater part + +of the islet broke off, and plunged into the sea. The cries of the drowning + +animals rent the air, and the islet was reduced to the narrow strip between the + +site of the engulfed house and Cape Bathurst. It was now merely a piece of + +ice.</p> +<a name="BXXIII" id="BXXIII"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER XXIII.</h4> + +<h4><i>ON A PIECE OF ICE.</i></h4> + +<p>A piece of ice, a jagged triangular strip of ice, measuring one hundred feet + +at its base, and scarcely five hundred in its greatest extent; and on it + +twenty-one human beings, some hundred furred animals, a few dogs, and a large + +bear, which was at this moment crouching at the very edge!</p> + +<p>Yes! all the luckless colonists were there. Not one had yet been swallowed + +up. The last rupture had occurred when they were all in the shed. Thus far fate + +had spared them, probably that they might all perish together.</p> + +<p>A silent sleepless night ensued. No one spoke or moved, for the slightest + +shake or blow might suffice to break the ice.</p> + +<p>No one would touch the salt-meat served round by Mrs Joliffe. What would be + +the good of eating?</p> + +<p>Nearly every one remained in the open air, feeling that it would be better to + +be drowned in the open sea than in a narrow wooden shed.</p> + +<p>The next day, June 5th, the sun shone brightly down upon the heads of the + +doomed band of wanderers. All were still silent, and seemed anxious to avoid + +each other. Many gazed with troubled anxious eyes at the perfect circle of the + +horizon, of which the miserable little strip of ice formed the centre. But the + +sea was absolutely deserted-not a sail, not an ice-floe, not an islet! Their own + +piece of ice was probably the very last floating on the Behring Sea.</p> + +<p>The temperature continued to rise. The wind had gone down, and a terrible + +calm had set in, a gentle swell heaved the surface of the sea, and the morsel of + +earth and ice, which was all that was left of Victoria Island, rose and sank + +without change of position, like a wreck-and what was it but a wreck?</p> + +<p>But a wreck, a piece of woodwork, a broken mast, or a few planks, remain + +floating; they offer some resistance to the waves, they will not melt; but this + +bit of ice, this solidified water, must dissolve with the heat of the sun!</p> + +<p>This piece of ice had formed the thickest part of the island, and this will + +explain its having lasted so long. A layer of earth and plenty of vegetation + +covered it, and the base of ice must have been of considerable thickness. The + +long bitter Polar winters must have "fed it with fresh ice," in the countless + +centuries during which it was connected with the mainland. Even now its mean + +height was five or six feet above the sea level, and its base was probably of + +about the same thickness. Although in these quiet waters it was not likely to be + +broken, it could not fail gradually to melt, and the rapid dissolution could + +actually be watched at the edges, for as the long waves licked the sides, piece + +after piece of ground with its verdant covering sank to rise no more.</p> + +<p>On this 5th June a fall of this nature occurred at about one o'clock P.M., on + +the site of the shed itself, which was very near the edge of the ice. There was + +fortunately no one in it at the time, and all that was saved was a few planks, + +and two or three of the timbers of the roofs. Most of the cooking utensils and + +all the astronomical instruments were lost. The colonists were now obliged to + +take refuge on the highest part of the islet, where nothing protected them from + +the weather, but fortunately a few tools had been left there, with the air pumps + +and the air-vessel, which Hobson had employed for catching a little of the + +rain-water for drinking purposes, as he no longer dared to draw for a supply + +upon the ice, every atom of which was of value.</p> + +<p>At about four o'clock P.M., the soldier Kellet, the same who had already + +given signs of insanity, came to Mrs Barnett and said quietly-</p> + +<p>"I am going to drown myself, ma'am."</p> + +<p>"What, Kellet?" exclaimed the lady.</p> + +<p>"I tell you I am going to drown myself," replied the soldier. "I have thought + +the matter well over: there is no escape for us, and I prefer dying at once to + +waiting to be killed."</p> + +<p>"Kellet!" said Mrs Barnett, taking the man's hand and looking into his face, + +which was strangely composed, "you will not do that?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I will, ma'am; and as you have always been very good to us all, I + +wanted to wish you good-bye. Good-bye, ma'am!"</p> + +<p>And Kellet turned towards the sea. Mrs Barnett, terrified at his manner, + +threw herself upon him and held him back. Her cries brought Hobson and Long to + +her assistance, and they did all in their power to dissuade the unhappy man from + +carrying out his purpose, but he was not to be moved, and merely shook his + +head.</p> + +<p>His mind was evidently disordered, and it was useless to reason with him. It + +was a terrible moment, as his example might lead some of his comrades to commit + +suicide also. At all hazards he must be prevented from doing as he + +threatened.</p> + +<p>"Kellet," said Mrs Barnett gently, with a half smile, "we have always been + +very good friends, have we not?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, ma'am," replied Kellet calmly.</p> + +<p>"Well, Kellet, if you like we will die together, but not to-day."</p> + +<p>"What, ma'am?"</p> + +<p>"No, my brave fellow, I am not ready; but to-morrow, to-morrow if you + +like."</p> + +<p>The soldier looked more fixedly than ever at the courageous woman, and seemed + +to hesitate an instant; then he cast a glance of fierce longing at the sea, and + +passing his hand over his eyes, said-</p> + +<p>"To-morrow!"</p> + +<p>And without another word he quietly turned away and went back to his + +comrades.</p> + +<p>"Poor fellow." murmured Mrs Barnett; "I have asked him to wait till + +to-morrow, and who can say whether we shall not all be drowned by that + +time!"</p> + +<p>Throughout that night Hobson remained motionless upon the beach, pondering + +whether there might not yet be some means to check the dissolution of the + +islet-if it might not yet be possible to preserve it until they came in sight of + +land of some sort.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett and Madge did not leave each other for an instant. Kalumah + +crouched like a dog at the feet of her mistress, and tried to keep her warm. Mrs + +Mac-Nab, wrapped in a few furs, the remains of the rich stores of Fort Hope, had + +fallen into a kind of torpor, with her baby clasped in her arms.</p> + +<p>The stars shone with extraordinary brilliancy, and no sounds broke the + +stillness of the night but the rippling of the waves and the splash of pieces of + +ice as they fell into the sea. The colonists, stretched upon the ground in + +scattered groups, were as motionless as corpses on an abandoned wreck.</p> + +<p>Sometimes Sergeant Long rose and peered into the night-mists, bat seeing + +nothing, he resumed his horizontal position. The bear, looking like a great + +white snowball, cowered motionless at the very edge of the strip of ice.</p> + +<p>This night also passed away without any incident to modify the situation. The + +grey morning dawned in the east, and the sun rose and dispersed the shadows of + +the night.</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant's first care, as soon as it was light, was to examine the + +piece of ice. Its perimeter was still more reduced, and, alas! its mean height + +above the sea level had sensibly diminished. The waves, quiet as they were, + +washed over the greater part of it; the summit of the little hill alone was + +still beyond their reach.</p> + +<p>Long, too, saw the changes which had taken place during the night, and felt + +that all hope was gone.</p> + +<p>Mrs Barnett joined Lieutenant Hobson, and said to him-</p> + +<p>"It will be to-day then!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, madam, and you will keep your promise to Kellet!"</p> + +<p>"Lieutenant Hobson," said the lady solemnly, "have we done all in our + +power!"</p> + +<p>"We have, madam."</p> + +<p>"Then God's will be done!"</p> + +<p>One last attempt was, however, made during the day. A strong breeze set in + +from the offing, that is to say, a wind bearing to the south-east, the direction + +in which were situated the nearest of the Aleutian Islands. How far off no one + +could say, as without instruments the bearings of the island could not be taken. + +It was not likely to have drifted far, however, unless under the influence of + +the current, as it gave no hold to the wind.</p> + +<p>Still it was just possible that they might be nearer land than they thought. + +If only a current, the direction of which it was impossible to ascertain, had + +taken them nearer to the much-longed-for Aleutian Islands, then, as the wind was + +bearing down upon those very islands, it might drive the strip of ice before it + +if a sail of some kind could be concocted. The ice had still several hours to + +float, and in several hours the land might come in sight, or, if not the land, + +some coasting or fishing vessel.</p> + +<p>A forlorn hope truly, but it suggested an idea to the Lieutenant which he + +resolved to carry out. Could not a sail be contrived on the islet as on an + +ordinary raft? There could be no difficulty in that; and when Hobson suggested + +it to Mac-Nab, he exclaimed-</p> + +<p>"You are quite right, sir;" adding to his men, "bring out all the canvas + +there is!"</p> + +<p>Every one was quite revived by this plan, slight as was the chance it + +afforded, and all lent a helping hand, even Kellet, who had not yet reminded Mrs + +Barnett of her promise.</p> + +<p>A beam, which had once formed part of the roof of the barracks, was sunk deep + +into the earth and sand of which the little hill was composed, and firmly fixed + +with ropes arranged like shrouds and a stay. A sail made of all the clothes and + +coverlets still remaining fastened on to a strong pole for a yard, was hoisted + +on the mast This sail, or rather collection of sails, suitably set, swelled in + +the breeze, and by the wake it left, it was evident that the strip of ice was + +rapidly moving towards the south-east.</p> + +<p>It was a success, and every one was cheered with newly-awakened hope. They + +were no longer stationary; they were advancing slowly, it was true, but still + +they were advancing. The carpenter was particularly elated; all eagerly scanned + +the horizon, and had they been told that no land could be sighted, they would + +have refused to believe it.</p> + +<p>So it appeared, however; for the strip of ice floated along on the waves for + +three hours in the centre of an absolutely circular and unbroken horizon. The + +poor colonists still hoped on.</p> + +<p>Towards three o'clock, the Lieutenant took the Sergeant aside, and said to + +him-</p> + +<p>"We are advancing at the cost of the solidity and duration of our islet."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean, sir?"</p> + +<p>"I mean that the ice is being rapidly fretted away as it moves along. Its + +speed is hastening its dissolution, and since we set sail it has diminished + +one-third."</p> + +<p>"Are you quite sure?"</p> + +<p>"Absolutely certain. The ice is longer and flatter. Look, the sea la not more + +than ten feet from the hill!"</p> + +<p>It was true, and the result was what might naturally have been expected from + +the motion of the ice.</p> + +<p>"Sergeant," resumed Hobson, "do you think we ought to take down our + +sail?"</p> + +<p>"I think," replied Long, after a moment's reflection, "that we should consult + +our comrades. We ought all to share the responsibility of a decision now."</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant bent his head in assent, and the two returned to their old + +position on the little hill.</p> + +<p>Hobson put the case before the whole party.</p> + +<p>"The speed we have given to the ice," he said, "is causing it to wear away + +rapidly, and will perhaps hasten the inevitable catastrophe by a few hours. My + +friends, you must decide whether we shall still go on."</p> + +<p>"Forwards!" cried all with one voice.</p> + +<p>So it was decided, and, as it turned out, the decision was fraught with + +consequences of incalculable importance.</p> + +<p>At six o'clock P.M. Madge rose, and pointing to a point on the south-east, + +cried-</p> + +<p>"Land!"</p> + +<p>Every one started up as if struck by lightning. Land there was indeed, on the + +south-east, twelve miles from the island.</p> + +<p>"More sail! more sail!" shouted Hobson.</p> + +<p>He was understood, and fresh materials were hastily brought. On the shrouds a + +sort of studding sail was rigged up of clothes, furs, everything, in short, that + +could give hold to the wind.</p> + +<p>The speed increased as the wind freshened, but the ice was melting + +everywhere; it trembled beneath the feet of the anxious watchers, and might open + +at any moment. But they would not think of that; they were buoyed up with hope; + +safety was at hand, on the land they were rapidly nearing. They shouted-they + +made signals-they were in a delirium of excitement.</p> + +<p>At half-past seven the ice was much nearer the land, but it was visibly + +melting, and sinking rapidly; water was gushing from it, and the waves were + +washing over it, sweeping off the terrified quadrupeds before the eyes of the + +colonists. Every instant they expected the whole mass to be engulfed, and it was + +necessary to lighten it like a sinking vessel. Every means was tried to check + +the dissolution; the earth and sand were carefully spread about, especially at + +the edges of the ice, to protect it from the direct influence of the sunbeams; + +and furs were laid here and there, as being bad conductors of heat. But it was + +all of no avail; the lower portion of the ice began to crack, and several + +fissures opened in the surface. It was now but a question of moments!</p> + +<p>Night set in, and there was nothing left for the poor colonists to do to + +quicken the speed of the islet. Some of them tried to paddle about on planks. + +The coast was still four miles to windward.</p> + +<p>It was a dark gloomy night, without any moon, and Hobson, whose heroic + +courage did not even now fail him, shouted-</p> + +<p>"A signal, my friends! a signal!" A pile was made of all the remaining + +combustibles-two or three planks and a beam. It was set fire to, and bright + +flames soon shot up, but the strip of ice continued to melt and sink. Presently + +the little hill alone remained above water, and on it the despairing wretches, + +with the few animals left alive, huddled together, the bear growling + +fiercely.</p> + +<p>The water was still rising, and there was no sign that any one on land had + +seen the signal. In less than a quarter of an hour they must all be swallowed + +up.</p> + +<p>Could nothing be done to make the ice last longer? In three hours, three + +short hours, they might reach the land, which was now but three miles to + +windward.</p> + +<p>"Oh!" cried Hobson, "if only I could stop the ice from melting! I would give + +my life to know how! Yes, I would give my life!"</p> + +<p>"There is one way," suddenly replied a voice.</p> + +<p>It was Thomas Black who spoke, the astronomer, who had not opened his lips + +for so long, and who had long since appeared dead to all that was going on.</p> + +<p>"Yes," he continued, "there is one way of checking the dissolution of the + +ice-there is one way of saving us all."</p> + +<p>All gathered eagerly round the speaker, and looked at him inquiringly. They + +thought they must have misheard what he said.</p> + +<p>"Well!" asked Hobson, "what way do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"To the pumps!" replied Black simply.</p> + +<p>Was he mad? Did he take the ice for a sinking vessel, with ten feet of water + +in the hold?</p> + +<p>The air pumps were at hand, together with the air vessel, which Hobson had + +been using as a reservoir for drinking water, but of what use could they be? + +Could they harden the ice, which was melting all over?</p> + +<p>"He is mad!" exclaimed Long.</p> + +<p>"To the pumps!" repeated the astronomer; "fill the reservoir with air!"</p> + +<p>"Do as he tells you!" cried Mrs Barnett.</p> + +<p>The pumps were attached to the reservoir, the cover of which was closed and + +bolted. The pumps were then at once set to work, and the air was condensed under + +the pressure of several atmospheres. Then Black, taking one of the leather pipes + +connected with the reservoir, and opening the cock, let the condensed air + +escape, walking round the ice wherever it was melting.</p> + +<p>Every one was astonished at the effect produced. Wherever the air was + +projected by the astronomer, the fissures filled up, and the surface + +re-froze.</p> + +<p>"Hurrah! hurrah!" shouted all with one voice.</p> + +<p>It was tiring enough to work the pumps, but there were plenty of volunteers. + +The edges of the ice were again solidified, as if under the influence of intense + +cold.</p> + +<p>"You have saved us, Mr Black," said Lieutenant Hobson.</p> + +<p>"Nothing could be more natural," replied the astronomer quietly.</p> + +<p>Nothing, in fact, could have been more natural; and the physical effect + +produced may be described as follows:-</p> + +<p>There were two reasons for the relegation:-First, under the pressure of the + +air, the water vaporised on the surface of the ice produced intense cold, and + +the compressed air in expanding abstracted the heat from the thawed surface, + +which immediately re-froze. Wherever the ice was opening the cold cemented the + +edges, so that it gradually regained its original solidity.</p> + +<p>This went on for several hours, and the colonists, buoyed up by hope, toiled + +on with unwearying zeal.</p> + +<p>They were nearing the coast, and when they were about a quarter of a mile + +from it, the bear plunged into the sea, and swimming to the shore, soon + +disappeared.</p> + +<p>A few minutes afterwards the ice ran aground upon a beach, and the few + +animals still upon it hurried away in the darkness. The colonists "disembarked," + +and falling on their knees, returned thanks to God for their miraculous + +deliverance.</p> +<a name="BXXIV" id="BXXIV"></a> +<h4>CHAPTER XXIV</h4> + +<h4><i>CONCLUSION.</i></h4> + +<p>It was on the island of Blejinie, the last of the Aleutian group, at the + +extreme south of Behring Sea, that all the colonists of Fort Hope at last + +landed, after having traversed eighteen hundred miles since the breaking-up of + +the ice. They were hospitably received by some Aleutian fishermen who had + +hurried to their assistance, and were soon able to communicate with some English + +agents of the Hudson's Bay Company.</p> + +<p>After all the details we have given, it is needless to dwell on the courage + +and energy of the brave little band, which had proved itself worthy of its noble + +leader. We know how all struggled with their misfortunes, and how patiently they + +had submitted to the will of God. We have seen Mrs Barnett cheering every one by + +her example and sympathy; and we know that neither she nor those with her + +yielded to despair when the peninsula on which Fort Hope had been built was + +converted into a wandering island, when that island became an islet, and the + +islet a strip of ice, nor even when that strip of ice was melting beneath the + +combined influence of sun and waves. If the scheme of the Company was a failure, + +if the new fort had perished, no one could possibly blame Hobson or his + +companions, who had gone through such extraordinary and unexpected trials. Of + +the nineteen persons under the Lieutenant's charge, not one was missing, and he + +had even two new members in his little colony, Kalumah and Mrs Barnett's godson, + +Michael Mac-Nab.</p> + +<p>Six days after their rescue the shipwrecked mariners arrived at New + +Archangel, the capital of Russian America.</p> + +<p>Here the friends, bound together by so many dangers shared, must part, + +probably for ever! Hobson and his men were to return to Fort Reliance across + +English America, whilst Mrs Barnett, accompanied by Kalumah, who would not leave + +her, Madge, and Thomas Black, intended to go back to Europe via San Francisco + +and the United States.</p> + +<p>But whilst they were still altogether, the Lieutenant, addressing Mrs + +Barnett, said with considerable emotion-</p> + +<p>"God bless you, madam, for all you have been to us. You have been our + +comforter, our consoler, the very soul of our little world; and I thank you in + +the name of all."</p> + +<p>Three cheers for Mrs Barnett greeted this speech, and each soldier begged to + +shake her by the hand, whilst the women embraced her affectionately.</p> + +<p>The Lieutenant himself had conceived so warm an affection for the lady who + +had so long been his friend and counsellor, that he could not bid her good-bye + +without great emotion.</p> + +<p>"Can it be that we shall never meet again?" he exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"No, Lieutenant," replied Mrs Barnett;" we must, we shall meet again. If you + +do not come and see me in Europe, I will come back to you at Fort Reliance, or + +to the new factory you will found some day yet."</p> + +<p>On hearing this, Thomas Black, who had regained the use of his tongue since + +he had landed on <i>terra firma</i>, came forward and said, with an air of the + +greatest conviction-</p> + +<p>"Yes, we shall meet again in thirty-six years. My friends, I missed the + +eclipse of 1860, but I will not miss that which will take place under exactly + +similar conditions in the same latitudes in 1896. And therefore I appoint a + +meeting with you, Lieutenant, and with you, my dear madam, on the confines of + +the Arctic Ocean thirty six years hence."</p> + +<h4>End of Part II</h4> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Fur Country, by Jules Verne + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FUR COUNTRY *** + +This file should be named 8991-h.htm or 8991-h.zip + +Produced by N. Wolcott + +Linked table of contents provided by David Widger + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we usually do not +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +We are now trying to release all our eBooks one year in advance +of the official release dates, leaving time for better editing. +Please be encouraged to tell us about any error or corrections, +even years after the official publication date. + +Please note neither this listing nor its contents are final til +midnight of the last day of the month of any such announcement. +The official release date of all Project Gutenberg eBooks is at +Midnight, Central Time, of the last day of the stated month. A +preliminary version may often be posted for suggestion, comment +and editing by those who wish to do so. + +Most people start at our Web sites at: +https://gutenberg.org or +http://promo.net/pg + +These Web sites include award-winning information about Project +Gutenberg, including how to donate, how to help produce our new +eBooks, and how to subscribe to our email newsletter (free!). + + +Those of you who want to download any eBook before announcement +can get to them as follows, and just download by date. This is +also a good way to get them instantly upon announcement, as the +indexes our cataloguers produce obviously take a while after an +announcement goes out in the Project Gutenberg Newsletter. + +http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/etext03 or +ftp://ftp.ibiblio.org/pub/docs/books/gutenberg/etext03 + +Or /etext02, 01, 00, 99, 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90 + +Just search by the first five letters of the filename you want, +as it appears in our Newsletters. + + +Information about Project Gutenberg (one page) + +We produce about two million dollars for each hour we work. The +time it takes us, a rather conservative estimate, is fifty hours +to get any eBook selected, entered, proofread, edited, copyright +searched and analyzed, the copyright letters written, etc. Our +projected audience is one hundred million readers. If the value +per text is nominally estimated at one dollar then we produce $2 +million dollars per hour in 2002 as we release over 100 new text +files per month: 1240 more eBooks in 2001 for a total of 4000+ +We are already on our way to trying for 2000 more eBooks in 2002 +If they reach just 1-2% of the world's population then the total +will reach over half a trillion eBooks given away by year's end. + +The Goal of Project Gutenberg is to Give Away 1 Trillion eBooks! +This is ten thousand titles each to one hundred million readers, +which is only about 4% of the present number of computer users. + +Here is the briefest record of our progress (* means estimated): + +eBooks Year Month + + 1 1971 July + 10 1991 January + 100 1994 January + 1000 1997 August + 1500 1998 October + 2000 1999 December + 2500 2000 December + 3000 2001 November + 4000 2001 October/November + 6000 2002 December* + 9000 2003 November* +10000 2004 January* + + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation has been created +to secure a future for Project Gutenberg into the next millennium. + +We need your donations more than ever! + +As of February, 2002, contributions are being solicited from people +and organizations in: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, +Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, +Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, +Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New +Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, +Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South +Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West +Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. + +We have filed in all 50 states now, but these are the only ones +that have responded. + +As the requirements for other states are met, additions to this list +will be made and fund raising will begin in the additional states. +Please feel free to ask to check the status of your state. + +In answer to various questions we have received on this: + +We are constantly working on finishing the paperwork to legally +request donations in all 50 states. If your state is not listed and +you would like to know if we have added it since the list you have, +just ask. + +While we cannot solicit donations from people in states where we are +not yet registered, we know of no prohibition against accepting +donations from donors in these states who approach us with an offer to +donate. + +International donations are accepted, but we don't know ANYTHING about +how to make them tax-deductible, or even if they CAN be made +deductible, and don't have the staff to handle it even if there are +ways. + +Donations by check or money order may be sent to: + +Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +PMB 113 +1739 University Ave. +Oxford, MS 38655-4109 + +Contact us if you want to arrange for a wire transfer or payment +method other than by check or money order. + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation has been approved by +the US Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) organization with EIN +[Employee Identification Number] 64-622154. Donations are +tax-deductible to the maximum extent permitted by law. As fund-raising +requirements for other states are met, additions to this list will be +made and fund-raising will begin in the additional states. + +We need your donations more than ever! + +You can get up to date donation information online at: + +https://www.gutenberg.org/donation.html + + +*** + +If you can't reach Project Gutenberg, +you can always email directly to: + +Michael S. Hart hart@pobox.com + +Prof. Hart will answer or forward your message. + +We would prefer to send you information by email. + + +**The Legal Small Print** + + +(Three Pages) + +***START**THE SMALL PRINT!**FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN EBOOKS**START*** +Why is this "Small Print!" statement here? You know: lawyers. +They tell us you might sue us if there is something wrong with +your copy of this eBook, even if you got it for free from +someone other than us, and even if what's wrong is not our +fault. So, among other things, this "Small Print!" statement +disclaims most of our liability to you. It also tells you how +you may distribute copies of this eBook if you want to. + +*BEFORE!* YOU USE OR READ THIS EBOOK +By using or reading any part of this PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm +eBook, you indicate that you understand, agree to and accept +this "Small Print!" statement. If you do not, you can receive +a refund of the money (if any) you paid for this eBook by +sending a request within 30 days of receiving it to the person +you got it from. If you received this eBook on a physical +medium (such as a disk), you must return it with your request. + +ABOUT PROJECT GUTENBERG-TM EBOOKS +This PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm eBook, like most PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm eBooks, +is a "public domain" work distributed by Professor Michael S. Hart +through the Project Gutenberg Association (the "Project"). +Among other things, this means that no one owns a United States copyright +on or for this work, so the Project (and you!) can copy and +distribute it in the United States without permission and +without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, set forth +below, apply if you wish to copy and distribute this eBook +under the "PROJECT GUTENBERG" trademark. + +Please do not use the "PROJECT GUTENBERG" trademark to market +any commercial products without permission. + +To create these eBooks, the Project expends considerable +efforts to identify, transcribe and proofread public domain +works. Despite these efforts, the Project's eBooks and any +medium they may be on may contain "Defects". Among other +things, Defects may take the form of incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other +intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged +disk or other eBook medium, a computer virus, or computer +codes that damage or cannot be read by your equipment. + +LIMITED WARRANTY; DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES +But for the "Right of Replacement or Refund" described below, +[1] Michael Hart and the Foundation (and any other party you may +receive this eBook from as a PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm eBook) disclaims +all liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including +legal fees, and [2] YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE OR +UNDER STRICT LIABILITY, OR FOR BREACH OF WARRANTY OR CONTRACT, +INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE +OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE +POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. + +If you discover a Defect in this eBook within 90 days of +receiving it, you can receive a refund of the money (if any) +you paid for it by sending an explanatory note within that +time to the person you received it from. If you received it +on a physical medium, you must return it with your note, and +such person may choose to alternatively give you a replacement +copy. If you received it electronically, such person may +choose to alternatively give you a second opportunity to +receive it electronically. + +THIS EBOOK IS OTHERWISE PROVIDED TO YOU "AS-IS". NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ARE MADE TO YOU AS +TO THE EBOOK OR ANY MEDIUM IT MAY BE ON, INCLUDING BUT NOT +LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A +PARTICULAR PURPOSE. + +Some states do not allow disclaimers of implied warranties or +the exclusion or limitation of consequential damages, so the +above disclaimers and exclusions may not apply to you, and you +may have other legal rights. + +INDEMNITY +You will indemnify and hold Michael Hart, the Foundation, +and its trustees and agents, and any volunteers associated +with the production and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm +texts harmless, from all liability, cost and expense, including +legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the +following that you do or cause: [1] distribution of this eBook, +[2] alteration, modification, or addition to the eBook, +or [3] any Defect. + +DISTRIBUTION UNDER "PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm" +You may distribute copies of this eBook electronically, or by +disk, book or any other medium if you either delete this +"Small Print!" and all other references to Project Gutenberg, +or: + +[1] Only give exact copies of it. Among other things, this + requires that you do not remove, alter or modify the + eBook or this "small print!" statement. You may however, + if you wish, distribute this eBook in machine readable + binary, compressed, mark-up, or proprietary form, + including any form resulting from conversion by word + processing or hypertext software, but only so long as + *EITHER*: + + [*] The eBook, when displayed, is clearly readable, and + does *not* contain characters other than those + intended by the author of the work, although tilde + (~), asterisk (*) and underline (_) characters may + be used to convey punctuation intended by the + author, and additional characters may be used to + indicate hypertext links; OR + + [*] The eBook may be readily converted by the reader at + no expense into plain ASCII, EBCDIC or equivalent + form by the program that displays the eBook (as is + the case, for instance, with most word processors); + OR + + [*] You provide, or agree to also provide on request at + no additional cost, fee or expense, a copy of the + eBook in its original plain ASCII form (or in EBCDIC + or other equivalent proprietary form). + +[2] Honor the eBook refund and replacement provisions of this + "Small Print!" statement. + +[3] Pay a trademark license fee to the Foundation of 20% of the + gross profits you derive calculated using the method you + already use to calculate your applicable taxes. If you + don't derive profits, no royalty is due. Royalties are + payable to "Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation" + the 60 days following each date you prepare (or were + legally required to prepare) your annual (or equivalent + periodic) tax return. Please contact us beforehand to + let us know your plans and to work out the details. + +WHAT IF YOU *WANT* TO SEND MONEY EVEN IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO? +Project Gutenberg is dedicated to increasing the number of +public domain and licensed works that can be freely distributed +in machine readable form. + +The Project gratefully accepts contributions of money, time, +public domain materials, or royalty free copyright licenses. +Money should be paid to the: +"Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +If you are interested in contributing scanning equipment or +software or other items, please contact Michael Hart at: +hart@pobox.com + +[Portions of this eBook's header and trailer may be reprinted only +when distributed free of all fees. Copyright (C) 2001, 2002 by +Michael S. Hart. Project Gutenberg is a TradeMark and may not be +used in any sales of Project Gutenberg eBooks or other materials be +they hardware or software or any other related product without +express permission.] + +*END THE SMALL PRINT! FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN EBOOKS*Ver.02/11/02*END* + + + +</pre> + + + + +</body></html> |