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diff --git a/9618-h/9618-h.htm b/9618-h/9618-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..47218ec --- /dev/null +++ b/9618-h/9618-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,9242 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta name="generator" content="HTML Tidy, see www.w3.org" /> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> + <title> + THE FIELD OF ICE BY JULES VERNE + </title> + <meta content="MSHTML 6.00.2600.0" name="GENERATOR" /> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> +BODY { + BACKGROUND: #ffffec; FONT-FAMILY: bookman old style, times new roman +} +P { + TEXT-INDENT: 2ex +} +H4 { + TEXT-ALIGN: center +} +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Field of Ice, by Jules Verne + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Field of Ice + Part II of the Adventures of Captain Hatteras + +Author: Jules Verne + +Posting Date: November 15, 2011 [EBook #9618] +Release Date: January, 2006 +First Posted: October 10, 2003 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FIELD OF ICE *** + + + + +Produced by PG Distributed Proofreaders + +Linked Table of Contents produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + <p> + <b>[Redactor's Note:</b> <i>The Field of Ice</i> {Number <b>V004</b> (Part + II)} in the T&M numerical listing of Verne's works is a translation of + Part II of <i>Voyages et aventures du capitane Hatteras: II: LeDésert de + glace (1866)</i> first published in England in this Routledge (London, + 1874) anonymous translation. Other translations are Osgood (Boston, 1874), + Ward, Lock, and Tyler (1876), Goubaud & Son (London, 1877), and + Hutchinson (London, 1890). This early work was never published by + Scribners or Sampson and Low and never found the wide popularity obtained + by the works published by those houses. Page numbers are retained in this + version to assist in the later collating the numerous illustrations. A + List of Illustrations has been provided. (NMW)<b>]</b> + </p> + <hr /> + <div> + <h2> + THE FIELD OF ICE + </h2> + <h4> + BY JULES VERNE, + </h4> + <p> + <small>AUTHOR OF "A JOURNEY TO THE NORTH POLE."<br /> "THE CHILDREN OF + CAPTAIN GRANT.'<br /> ETC</small> + </p> + <br /> + <p> + <i>WITH</i> 126 <i>ILLUSTRATIONS BY RIOU</i> + </p> + <br /> <br /> + <p> + LONDON AND NEW YORK + </p> + <h4> + GEORGE ROUTLEDGE AND SONS + </h4> + <p> + 1875 + </p> + <p> + [<small><i>All rights reserved</i>.</small>] + </p> + <br /> + <hr /> + <br /> + <hr /> + <p> + <small>LONDON<br /> Printed by Simmons and Botten<br /> Shoe Lane, E.C.</small> + </p> + <hr /> + <br /> + <table cellspacing="1" cellpadding="3" width="85%" border="1"> + <caption> + CONTENTS. + </caption> + <tbody> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#I">CHAPTER I.</a> + </td> + <td> + THE DOCTOR'S INVENTORY + </td> + <td> + 1 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#II">CHAPTER II.</a> + </td> + <td> + FIRST WORDS OF ALTAMONT + </td> + <td> + 10 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#III">CHAPTER III.</a> + </td> + <td> + A SEVENTEEN DAYS' MARCH + </td> + <td> + 22 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#IV">CHAPTER IV.</a> + </td> + <td> + THE LAST CHARGE OF POWDER + </td> + <td> + 32 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#V">CHAPTER V.</a> + </td> + <td> + THE SEAL AND THE BEAR + </td> + <td> + 44 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#VI">CHAPTER VI.</a> + </td> + <td> + THE "PORPOISE" + </td> + <td> + 55 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#VII">CHAPTER VII.</a> + </td> + <td> + AN IMPORTANT DISCUSSION + </td> + <td> + 66 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#VIII">CHAPTER VIII.</a> + </td> + <td> + AN EXCURSION TO THE NORTH OF VICTORIA BAY + </td> + <td> + 77 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#IX">CHAPTER IX.</a> + </td> + <td> + COLD AND HEAT + </td> + <td> + 88 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#X">CHAPTER X.</a> + </td> + <td> + WINTER PLEASURES + </td> + <td> + 97 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#XI">CHAPTER XI.</a> + </td> + <td> + TRACKS OF BEARS + </td> + <td> + 107 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#XII">CHAPTER XII.</a> + </td> + <td> + IMPRISIONED IN DOCTOR'S HOUSE + </td> + <td> + 118 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#XIII">CHAPTER XIII.</a> + </td> + <td> + THE MINE + </td> + <td> + 130 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#XIV">CHAPTER XIV.</a> + </td> + <td> + AN ARCTIC SPRING + </td> + <td> + 143 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#XV">CHAPTER XV.</a> + </td> + <td> + THE NORTH WEST PASSAGE + </td> + <td> + 154 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#XVI">CHAPTER XVI.</a> + </td> + <td> + ARCTIC ARCADIA + </td> + <td> + 163 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#XVII">CHAPTER XVII.</a> + </td> + <td> + ALTAMONT'S REVENGE + </td> + <td> + 173 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII.</a> + </td> + <td> + FINAL PREPARATIONS + </td> + <td> + 181 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#XIX">CHAPTER XIX.</a> + </td> + <td> + MARCH TO THE NORTH + </td> + <td> + 187 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#XX">CHAPTER XX.</a> + </td> + <td> + FOOTPRINTS IN THE SNOW + </td> + <td> + 199 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#XXI">CHAPTER XXI.</a> + </td> + <td> + THE OPEN SEA + </td> + <td> + 209 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#XXII">CHAPTER XXII.</a> + </td> + <td> + GETTING NEAR THE POLE + </td> + <td> + 216 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#XXIII">CHAPTER XXIII.</a> + </td> + <td> + THE ENGLISH FLAG + </td> + <td> + 227 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#XXIV">CHAPTER XXIV.</a> + </td> + <td> + MOUNT HATTERAS + </td> + <td> + 240 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#XXV">CHAPTER XXV.</a> + </td> + <td> + RETURN SOUTH + </td> + <td> + 253 + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#XXVI">CHAPTER XXVI.</a> + </td> + <td> + CONCLUSION + </td> + <td> + 264 + </td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + <br /> + <hr /> + <h4> + LIST OF FULL PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS + </h4> + <h4> + THE FIELD OF ICE + </h4> + <table cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" width="90%" border="1"> + <tbody> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + "Altamont had already swung his hatchet to strike, when he was + arrested by a well known voice" + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + 132-frontispiece. + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + "The tired-out dogs were harnessed sorely against their will, + and before long bringing the few but precious treasures found + among the <i>débris</i> of the brig" + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + 9 + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + Johnson's Story + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + 11 + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + "The poor fellows felt like colonists safely arrived at their + destination." + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + 57 + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + " 'I dispute the claim,' said the Englishman, restraining + himself by a powerful effort." + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + 72 + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + "Clambering up the steep, rocky wall he succeeded, though with + considerable difficulty, in reaching the top." + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + 77 + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + "Soon they were walking in a bright luminous track, leaving + their shadows behind them on the spotless snow." + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + 87 + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + "Hatteras could only manage to keep off his pursuers by flinging + down one article after another." + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + 120 + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + "The carpenter began his task immediately." + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + 154 + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + "The Doctor did not allow him to proceed, for he really feared + the two antagonists might come to blows." + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + 162 + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + "It was a strange and touching spectacle to see the pretty + creatures-they flew on Clawbonny's shoulders, etc." + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + 169 + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + "Dealt him such a blow on the head with his hatchet that the + skull was completely split open." + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + 177 + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + "The poor seal struggled desperately, but could not free himself + from the grasp of his enemy." + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + 184 + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + "On the 29th Bell killed a fox and Altamont a musk-ox." + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + 192 + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + "At Bell's suggestion, torches were contrived." + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + 188 + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + Three hours afterwards, they arrived at the coast and shouted + simultaneously "The sea, the sea!" + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + 206 + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + "And the doctor, leaning over the side of the vessel, could see + the whales and the dolphins and all the rest of the monsters of + the deep." + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + 214 + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + "It is a volcano, he explained." + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + 217 + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + "Mast and sail were torn off and went flying away through the + darkness like some large, white bird." + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + 224 + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + "Altamont speedily discovered a grotto composed of rocks." + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + 234 + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + "There he was, standing on a rock, gazing fixedly at the top of + the mountain." + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + 242 + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + "Hatteras did not even turn once to look back, but marched + straight on, carrying his country's flag attached to his staff." + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + 249 + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + "Dead, frozen- -" + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + 262 + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + "Two hours later, after unheard-of exertions, the survivors of + the <i>Forward</i> were picked up by the <i>Hans Christian."</i> + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + 266 + </p> + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <p> + [no caption] + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p> + 267 + </p> + </td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + </div> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <h4> + THE FIELD OF ICE. + </h4> + <p> + <a name="I" id="I"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER I. + </h4> + <h4> + THE DOCTOR'S INVENTORY. + </h4> + <p> + It was a bold project of Hatteras to push his way to the North Pole, and + gain for his country the honour and glory of its discovery. But he had + done all that lay in human power now, and, after having struggled for nine + months against currents and tempests, shattering icebergs and breaking + through almost insurmountable barriers, amid the cold of an unprecedented + winter, after having outdistanced all his predecessors and accomplished + half his task, he suddenly saw all his hopes blasted. The treachery, or + rather the despondency, of his worn-out crew, and the criminal folly of + one or two leading spirits among them had left him and his little band of + men in a terrible situation-helpless in an icy desert, two thousand five + hundred miles away from their native land, and without even a ship to + shelter them. + </p> + <p> + However, the courage of Hatteras was still undaunted. The three men which + were left him were the + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + best on board his brig, and while they remained he might venture to hope. + </p> + <p> + After the cheerful, manly words of the captain, the Doctor felt the best + thing to be done was to look their prospects fairly in the face, and know + the exact state of things. Accordingly, leaving his companions, he stole + away alone down to the scene of the explosion. + </p> + <p> + Of the <i>Forward</i>, the brig that had been so carefully built and had + become so dear, not a vestige remained. Shapeless blackened fragments, + twisted bars of iron, + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + cable ends still smouldering, and here and there in the distance spiral + wreaths of smoke, met his eye on all sides. His cabin and all his precious + treasures were gone, his books, and instruments, and collections reduced + to ashes. As he stood thinking mournfully of his irreparable loss, he was + joined by Johnson, who grasped his offered hand in speechless sorrow. + </p> + <p> + "What's to become of us?" asked the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + "Who can tell!" was the old sailor's reply. + </p> + <p> + "Anyhow," said Clawbonny, "do not let us despair! Let us be men!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Mr. Clawbonny, you are right. Now is the time to show our mettle. We + are in a bad plight, and how to get out of it, that is the question." + </p> + <p> + "Poor old brig!" exclaimed the Doctor. "I had grown so attached to her. I + loved her as one loves a house where he has spent a life-time." + </p> + <p> + "Ay! it's strange what a hold those planks and beams get on a fellow's + heart." + </p> + <p> + "And the long-boat-is that burnt?" asked the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + "No, Mr. Clawbonny. Shandon and his gang have carried it off." + </p> + <p> + "And the pirogue?" + </p> + <p> + "Shivered into a thousand pieces? Stop. Do you see those bits of + sheet-iron? That is all that remains of it." + </p> + <p> + "Then we have nothing but the Halkett-boat?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, we have that still, thanks to your idea of taking it with you." + </p> + <p> + "That isn't much," said the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, those base traitors!" exclaimed Johnson. "Heaven punish them as they + deserve!" + </p> + <p> + "Johnson," returned the Doctor, gently, "we must not forget how sorely + they have been tried. Only the best remain good in the evil day; few can + stand trouble. Let us pity our fellow-sufferers, and not curse them." + </p> + <p> + For the next few minutes both were silent, and then Johnson asked what had + become of the sledge. + </p> + <p> + "We left it about a mile off," was the reply. + </p> + <p> + "In charge of Simpson?" + </p> + <p> + "No, Simpson is dead, poor fellow!" + </p> + <p> + "Simpson dead!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, his strength gave way entirely, and he first sank." + </p> + <p> + "Poor Simpson! And yet who knows if he isn't rather to be envied?" + </p> + <p> + "But, for the dead man we have left behind, we have brought back a dying + one." + </p> + <p> + "A dying man?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Captain Altamont." + </p> + <p> + And in a few words he informed Johnson of their discovery. + </p> + <p> + "An American!" said Johnson, as the recital was ended. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, everything goes to prove that. But I wonder what the <i>Porpoise</i> + was, and what brought her in these seas?" + </p> + <p> + "She rushed on to her ruin like the rest of foolhardy adventurers; but, + tell me, did you find the coal?" + </p> + <p> + The Doctor shook his head sadly. + </p> + <p> + "No coal! not a vestige! No, we did not even get as far as the place + mentioned by Sir Edward Belcher." + </p> + <p> + "Then we have no fuel whatever?" said the old sailor. + </p> + <p> + "No." + </p> + <p> + "And no provisions?" + </p> + <p> + "No." + </p> + <p> + "And no ship to make our way back to England?" + </p> + <p> + It required courage indeed to face these gloomy realities, but, after a + moment's silence, Johnson said again- + </p> + <p> + "Well, at any rate we know exactly how we stand. The first thing to be + done now is to make a hut, for we can't stay long exposed to this + temperature." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, we'll soon manage that with Bell's help," replied the Doctor. "Then + we must go and find the sledge, and bring back the American, and have a + consultation with Hatteras." + </p> + <p> + "Poor captain," said Johnson, always forgetting his own troubles, "how he + must feel it!" + </p> + <p> + Clawbonny and Bell found Hatteras standing motionless, his arms folded in + his usual fashion. He seemed gazing into space, but his face had recovered + its calm, self-possessed expression. His faithful dog stood beside him, + like his master, apparently insensible to the biting cold, though the + temperature was 32 degrees below zero. + </p> + <p> + Bell lay on the ice in an almost inanimate condition. Johnson had to take + vigorous measures to rouse him, but at last, by dint of shaking and + rubbing him with snow, he succeeded. + </p> + <p> + "Come, Bell," he cried, "don't give way like this. Exert yourself, my man; + we must have a talk about our situation, and we need a place to put our + heads in. Come and help me, Bell. You haven't forgotten how to make a snow + hut, have you? There is an iceberg all ready to hand; we've only got to + hollow it out. Let's set to work; we shall find that is the best remedy + for us." + </p> + <p> + Bell tried to shake off his torpor and help his comrade, while Mr. + Clawbonny undertook to go and fetch the sledge and the dogs. + </p> + <p> + "Will you go with him, captain?" asked Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "No, my friend," said Hatteras, in a gentle tone, "if the Doctor will + kindly undertake the task. Before the day ends I must come to some + resolution, and I need to be alone to think. Go. Do meantime whatever you + think best. I will deal with the future." + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + Johnson went back to the Doctor, and said- + </p> + <p> + "It's very strange, but the captain seems quite to have got over his + anger. I never heard him speak so gently before." + </p> + <p> + "So much the better," said Clawbonny. "Believe me, Johnson, that man can + save us yet." + </p> + <p> + And drawing his hood as closely round his head as possible, the Doctor + seized his iron-tipped staff, and set out without further delay. + </p> + <p> + Johnson and Bell commenced operations immediately. They had simply to dig + a hole in the heart of a great block of ice; but it was not easy work, + owing to the extreme hardness of the material. However, this very hardness + guaranteed the solidity of the dwelling, and the further their labours + advanced the more they became sheltered. + </p> + <p> + Hatteras alternately paced up and down, and stood motionless, evidently + shrinking from any approach to the scene of explosion. + </p> + <p> + In about an hour the Doctor returned, bringing with him Altamont lying on + the sledge, wrapped up in the folds of the tent. The poor dogs were so + exhausted from starvation that they could scarcely draw it along, and they + had begun to gnaw their harness. It was, indeed, high time for feasts and + men to take food and rest. + </p> + <p> + While the hut was being still further dug out, the Doctor went foraging + about, and had the good fortune to find a little stove, almost undamaged + by the explosion. He soon restored it to working trim, and, by the time + the hut was completed, had filled it with wood and got it lighted. Before + long it was roaring, and diffusing a genial warmth on all sides. The + American was brought in and laid on blankets, and the four Englishmen + seated themselves round the fire to enjoy their scanty meal of biscuit and + hot tea, the last remains of the provisions on the sledge. Not a word was + spoken by Hatteras, and the others respected his silence. + </p> + <p> + When the meal was over, the Doctor rose and went out, making a sign to + Johnson to follow. + </p> + <p> + "Come, Johnson," he said, "we will take an inventory of all we have left. + We must know exactly how we are off, and our treasures are scattered in + all directions; so we had better begin, and pick them up as fast as + possible, for the snow may fall at any moment, and then it would be quite + useless to look for anything." + </p> + <p> + "Don't let us lose a minute, then," replied Johnson. "Fire and food- those + are our chief wants." + </p> + <p> + "Very well, you take one side and I'll take the other, and we'll search + from the centre to the circumference." + </p> + <p> + This task occupied two hours, and all they discovered was a little salt + meat, about 50 lbs. of pemmican, three sacks of biscuits, a small stock of + chocolate, five or six pints of brandy, and about 2 lbs. of coffee, picked + up bean by bean off the ice. + </p> + <p> + Neither blankets, nor hammocks, nor clothing-all had been consumed in the + devouring flame. + </p> + <p> + This slender store of provisions would hardly last three weeks, and they + had wood enough to supply the stove for about the same time. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: The tired-out dogs were harnessed sorely against their + will, and before long returned bringing the few but precious treasures + found among the <i>débris</i> of the brig.-P.9] + </p> + <p> + Now that the inventory was made, the next business was to fetch the + sledge. The tired-out dogs were harnessed sorely against their will, and + before long returned bringing the few but precious treasures found among + the <i>débris</i> of the brig. These were safely deposited in the hut, and + then Johnson and Clawbonny, half-frozen with their work, resumed their + places beside their companions in misfortune. + </p> + <p> + <a name="II" id="II"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER II. + </h4> + <h4> + FIRST WORDS OF ALTAMONT. + </h4> + <p> + About eight o'clock in the evening, the grey snow clouds cleared away for + a little, and the stars shone out brilliantly in the sky. + </p> + <p> + Hatteras seized the opportunity and went out silently to take the altitude + of some of the principal constellations. He wished to ascertain if the + ice-field was still drifting. + </p> + <p> + In half an hour he returned and sat down in a corner of the hut, where he + remained without stirring all night, motionless as if asleep, but in + reality buried in deepest thought. + </p> + <p> + The next day the snow fell heavily, and the Doctor congratulated himself + on his wise forethought, when he saw the white sheet lying three feet + thick over the scene of the explosion, completely obliterating all traces + of the <i>Forward</i>. + </p> + <p> + It was impossible to venture outside in such weather, but the stove drew + capitally, and made the hut quite comfortable, or at any rate it seemed so + to the weary, worn out adventurers. + </p> + <p> + The American was in less pain, and was evidently gradually coming back to + life. He opened his eyes, but could not yet speak, for his lips were so + affected by the scurvy that articulation was impossible, but he could hear + and understand all that was said to him. On learning what had passed, and + the circumstances of his discovery, he expressed his thanks by gestures, + and the Doctor was too wise to let him know how brief his respite from + death would prove. In three weeks at most every vestige of food would be + gone. + </p> + <p> + About noon Hatteras roused himself, and going up to his friends, said- + </p> + <p> + "We must make up our minds what to do, but I must request Johnson to tell + me first all the particulars of the mutiny on the brig, and how this final + act of baseness came about." + </p> + <p> + "What good will that do?" said the Doctor. "The fact is certain, and it is + no use thinking over it." + </p> + <p> + "I differ from your opinion," rejoined Hatteras. "Let me hear the whole + affair from Johnson, and then I will banish it from my thoughts." + </p> + <p> + "Well," said the boatswain, "this was how it happened. I did all in my + power to prevent, but--" + </p> + <p> + "I am sure of that, Johnson; and what's more, I have no doubt the + ringleaders had been hatching their plans for some time." + </p> + <p> + "That's my belief too," said the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Johnson's Story. -P.11] + </p> + <p> + "And so it is mine," resumed Johnson; "for almost immediately after your + departure Shandon, supported by the others, took the command of the ship. + </p> + <p> + I could not resist him, and from that moment everybody did pretty much as + they pleased. Shandon made no attempt to restrain them: it was his policy + to make them believe that their privations and toils were at an end. + Economy was entirely disregarded. A blazing fire was kept up in the stove, + and the men were allowed to eat and drink at discretion; not only tea and + coffee was at their disposal, but all the spirits on board, and on men who + had been so long deprived of ardent liquors, you may guess the result. + They went on in this manner from the 7th to the 15th of January." + </p> + <p> + "And this was Shandon's doing?" asked Hatteras. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, captain." + </p> + <p> + "Never mention his name to me again! Go on, Johnson." + </p> + <p> + "It was about the 24th or 25th of January, that they resolved to abandon + the ship. Their plan was to reach the west coast of Baffin's Bay, and from + thence to embark in the boat and follow the track of the whalers, or to + get to some of the Greenland settlements on the eastern side. Provisions + were abundant, and the sick men were so excited by the hope of return that + they were almost well. They began their preparations for departure by + making a sledge which they were to draw themselves, as they had no dogs. + This was not ready till the 15th of February, and I was always hoping for + your arrival, though I half dreaded it too, for you could have done + nothing with the men, and they would have massacred you rather than remain + on board. I tried my influence on each one separately, remonstrating and + reasoning with them, and pointing out the dangers they would encounter, + and also the cowardice of leaving you, but it was a mere waste of words; + not even the best among them would listen to me. Shandon was impatient to + be off, and fixed the 22nd of February for starting. The sledge and the + boat were packed as closely as possible with provisions and spirits, and + heaps of wood, to obtain which they had hewed the brig down to her + water-line. The last day the men ran riot. They completely sacked the + ship, and in a drunken paroxysm Pen and two or three others set it on + fire. I fought and struggled against them, but they threw me down and + assailed me with blows, and then the wretches, headed by Shandon, went off + towards the east and were soon out of sight. I found myself alone on the + burning ship, and what could I do? The fire- hole was completely blocked + up with ice. I had not a single drop of water! For two days the <i>Forward</i> + struggled with the flames, and you know the rest." + </p> + <p> + A long silence followed the gloomy recital, broken at length by Hatteras, + who said- + </p> + <p> + "Johnson, I thank you; you did all you could to save my ship, but + single-handed you could not resist. Again I thank you, and now let the + subject be dropped. Let us unite efforts for our common salvation. There + are four of us, four companions, four friends, and all our lives are + equally precious. Let each give his opinion on the best course for us to + pursue." + </p> + <p> + "You ask us then, Hatteras," said the Doctor, "we are all devoted to you, + and our words come from our hearts. But will you not state you own views + first?" + </p> + <p> + "That would be little use," said Hatteras, sadly; "my opinion might appear + interested; let me hear all yours first." + </p> + <p> + "Captain," said Johnson, "before pronouncing on such an important matter, + I wish to ask you a question." + </p> + <p> + "Ask it, then, Johnson." + </p> + <p> + "You went out yesterday to ascertain our exact position; well, is the + field drifting or stationary?" + </p> + <p> + "Perfectly stationary. It had not moved since the last reckoning was made. + I find we are just where we were before we left, in 80° 15" lat. and 97° + 35" long." + </p> + <p> + "And what distance are we from the nearest sea to the west?" + </p> + <p> + "About six hundred miles." + </p> + <p> + "And that sea is--?" + </p> + <p> + "Smith's Sound," was the reply. + </p> + <p> + "The same that we could not get through last April?" + </p> + <p> + "The same." + </p> + <p> + "Well, captain, now we know our actual situation, we are in a better + position to determine our course of action." + </p> + <p> + "Speak your minds, then," said Hatteras, again burying his head in his + hands. + </p> + <p> + "What do you say, Bell?" asked the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + "It strikes me the case doesn't need long thinking over," said the + carpenter. "We must get back at once without losing a single day or even a + single hour, either to the south or west, and make our way to the nearest + coast, even if we are two months doing it!" + </p> + <p> + "We have only food for three weeks," replied Hatteras, without raising his + head. + </p> + <p> + "Very well," said Johnson, "we must make the journey in three weeks, since + it is our last chance. Even if we can only crawl on our knees before we + get to our destination, we must be there in twenty-five days." + </p> + <p> + "This part of the Arctic Continent is unexplored. We may have to encounter + difficulties. Mountains and glaciers may bar our progress," objected + Hatteras. + </p> + <p> + "I don't see that's any sufficient reason for not attempting it. We shall + have to endure sufferings, no doubt, and perhaps many. We shall have to + limit ourselves to the barest quantities of food, unless our guns should + procure us anything." + </p> + <p> + "There is only about half a pound of powder left," said Hatteras. + </p> + <p> + "Come now, Hatteras, I know the full weight of your objections, and I am + not deluding myself with vain hopes. But I think I can read your motive. + Have you any practical suggestion to offer?" + </p> + <p> + "No," said Hatteras, after a little hesitation. + </p> + <p> + "You don't doubt our courage," continued the Doctor. "We would follow you + to the last-you know that. But must we not, meantime, give up all hope of + reaching the Pole? Your plans have been defeated by treachery. Natural + difficulties you might have overcome, but you have been outmatched by + perfidy and human weakness. You have done all that man could do, and you + would have succeeded I am certain; but situated as we are now, are you not + obliged to relinquish your projects for the present, and is not a return + to England even positively necessary before you could continue them?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, captain?" asked Johnson after waiting a considerable time for + Hatteras to reply. + </p> + <p> + Thus interrogated, he raised his head, and said in a constrained tone- + </p> + <p> + "You think yourselves quite certain then of reaching the Sound, exhausted + though you are, and almost without food?" + </p> + <p> + "No," replied the Doctor, "but there is one thing certain, the Sound won't + come to us, we must go to it. We may chance to find some Esquimaux tribes + further south." + </p> + <p> + "Besides, isn't there the chance of falling in with some ship that is + wintering here?" asked Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "Even supposing the Sound is blocked up, couldn't we get across to some + Greenland or Danish settlement? At any rate, Hatteras, we can get nothing + by remaining here. The route to England is towards the south, not the + north." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said Bell, "Mr. Clawbonny is right. We must start, and start at + once. We have been forgetting our country too long already." + </p> + <p> + "Is this your advice, Johnson?" asked Hatteras again. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, captain." + </p> + <p> + "And yours, Doctor?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Hatteras." + </p> + <p> + Hatteras remained silent, but his face, in spite of himself, betrayed his + inward agitation. The issue of his whole life hung on the decision he had + to make, for he felt that to return to England was to lose all! He could + not venture on a fourth expedition. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor finding he did not reply, added- + </p> + <p> + "I ought also to have said, that there is not a moment to lose. The sledge + must be loaded with the provisions at once, and as much wood as possible. + I must confess six hundred miles is a long journey, but we can, or rather + we must make twenty miles a day, which will bring us to the coast about + the 26th of March." + </p> + <p> + "But cannot we wait a few days yet?" said Hatteras. + </p> + <p> + "What are you hoping for?" asked Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "I don't know. Who can tell the future? It is necessary, too, that you + should get your strength a little recruited. You might sink down on the + road with fatigue, without even a snow hut to shelter you." + </p> + <p> + "But think of the terrible death that awaits us here," replied the + carpenter. + </p> + <p> + "My friends," said Hatteras, in almost supplicating tones; "you are + despairing too soon. I should propose that we should seek our deliverance + towards the north, but you would refuse to follow me, and yet why should + there not be Esquimaux tribes round about the Pole as well as towards the + south? The open sea, of the existence of which we are certified, must wash + the shores of continents. Nature is logical in all her doings. + Consequently vegetation must be found there when the earth is no longer + ice-bound. Is there not a promised land awaiting us in the north from + which you would flee?" + </p> + <p> + Hatteras became animated as he spoke, and Doctor Clawbonny's excitable + nature was so wrought upon that his decision began to waver. He was on the + point of yielding, when Johnson, with his wiser head and calmer + temperament, recalled him to reason and duty by calling out- + </p> + <p> + "Come, Bell, let us be off to the sledge." + </p> + <p> + "All right," said Bell, and the two had risen to leave the hut, when + Hatteras exclaimed- + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Johnson! You! you! Well, go! I shall stay, I shall stay!" + </p> + <p> + "Captain!" said Johnson, stopping in spite of himself. + </p> + <p> + "I shall stay, I tell you. Go! Leave me like the rest! Come, Duk, you and + I will stay together." + </p> + <p> + The faithful dog barked as if he understood, and settled himself down + beside his master. Johnson looked at the Doctor, who seemed at a loss to + know what to do, but came to the conclusion at last that the best way, + meantime, was to calm Hatteras, even at the sacrifice of a day. He was + just about to try the force of his eloquence in this direction, when he + felt a light touch on his arm, and turning round saw Altamont who had + crawled out of bed and managed to get on his knees. He was trying to + speak, but his swollen lips could scarcely make a sound. Hatteras went + towards him, and watched his efforts to articulate so attentively that in + a few minutes he made out a word that sounded like <i>Porpoise</i>, and + stooping over him he asked- + </p> + <p> + "Is it the <i>Porpoise</i>?" + </p> + <p> + Altamont made a sign in the affirmative, and Hatteras went on with his + queries, now that he had found a clue. + </p> + <p> + "In these seas?" + </p> + <p> + The affirmative gesture was repeated. + </p> + <p> + "Is she in the north?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "Do you know her position?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "Exactly?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + For a minute or so, nothing more was said, and the onlookers waited with + palpitating hearts. + </p> + <p> + Then Hatteras spoke again and said- + </p> + <p> + "Listen to me. We must know the exact position of your vessel. I will + count the degrees aloud, and you; will stop me when I come to the right + one." + </p> + <p> + The American assented by a motion of the head, and Hatteras began- + </p> + <p> + "We'll take the longitude first. 105°, No? 106°, 107°? It is to the west, + I suppose?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," replied Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "Let us go on, then: 109°, 110°, 112°, 114°, 116°, 118°, 120°." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," interrupted the sick man. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + "120° of longitude, and how many minutes? I will count." + </p> + <p> + Hatteras began at number one, and when he got to fifteen, Altamont made a + sign to stop. + </p> + <p> + "Very good," said Hatteras; "now for the latitude. Are you listening? 80°, + 81°, 82°, 83°." + </p> + <p> + Again the sign to stop was made. + </p> + <p> + "Now for the minutes: 5', 10', 15', 20', 25', 30', 35'." + </p> + <p> + Altamont stopped him once more, and smiled feebly. + </p> + <p> + "You say, then, that the <i>Porpoise</i> is in longitude 120° 15', and + latitude 83° 35'?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," sighed the American, and fell back motionless in the Doctor's arms, + completely overpowered by the effort he had made. + </p> + <p> + "Friends!" exclaimed Hatteras; "you see I was right. Our salvation lies + indeed in the north, always in the north. We shall be saved!" + </p> + <p> + But the joyous, exulting words had hardly escaped his lips before a sudden + thought made his countenance change. The serpent of jealousy had stung + him, for this stranger was an American, and he had reached three degrees + nearer the Pole than the ill-fated <i>Forward</i>. + </p> + <p> + <a name="III" id="III"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER III. + </h4> + <h4> + A SEVENTEEN DAYS' MARCH. + </h4> + <p> + These first words of Altamont had completely changed the whole aspect of + affairs, but his communication was still incomplete, and, after giving him + a little time to rest, the Doctor undertook the task of conversing again + with him, putting his questions in such a form that a movement of the head + or eyes would be a sufficient answer. + </p> + <p> + He soon ascertained that the <i>Porpoise</i> was a three-mast American + ship, from New York, wrecked on the ice, with provisions and combustibles + in abundance still on board, and that, though she had been thrown on her + side, she had not gone to pieces, and there was every chance of saving her + cargo. + </p> + <p> + Altamont and his crew had left her two months previously, taking the long + boat with them on a sledge. They intended to get to Smith's Sound, and + reach some whaler that would take them back to America; but one after + another succumbed to fatigue and illness, till at last Altamont and two + men were all that remained out of thirty; and truly he had survived by a + providential miracle, while his two companions already lay beside him in + the sleep of death. + </p> + <p> + Hatteras wished to know why the <i>Porpoise</i> had come so far north, and + learned in reply that she had been irresistibly driven there by the ice. + But his anxious fears were not satisfied with this explanation, and he + asked further what was the purpose of his voyage. Altamont said he wanted + to make the north-west passage, and this appeared to content the jealous + Englishman, for he made no more reference to the subject. "Well," said the + Doctor, "it strikes me that, instead of trying to get to Baffin's Bay, our + best plan would be to go in search of the <i>Porpoise</i>, for here lies a + ship a full third of the distance nearer, and, more than that, stocked + with everything necessary for winter quarters." + </p> + <p> + "I see no other course open to us," replied Bell. + </p> + <p> + "And the sooner we go the better," added Johnson, "for the time we allow + ourselves must depend on our provisions." + </p> + <p> + "You are right, Johnson," returned the Doctor. "If we start to- morrow, we + must reach the <i>Porpoise</i> by the 15th of March, unless we mean to die + of starvation. What do you say, Hatteras?" + </p> + <p> + "Let us make preparations immediately, but perhaps the route may be longer + than we suppose." + </p> + <p> + "How can that be, captain? The man seems quite sure of the position of his + ship," said the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + "But suppose the ice-field should have drifted like ours?" + </p> + <p> + Here Altamont, who was listening attentively, made a sign that he wished + to speak, and, after much difficulty, he succeeded in telling the Doctor + that the <i>Porpoise</i> had struck on rocks near the coast, and that it + was impossible for her to move. + </p> + <p> + This was re-assuring information, though it cut off all hope of returning + to Europe, unless Bell could construct a smaller ship out of the wreck. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + No time was lost in getting ready to start. The sledge was the principal + thing, as it needed thorough repair. There was plenty of wood, and, + profiting by the experience they had recently had of this mode of transit, + several improvements were made by Bell. + </p> + <p> + Inside, a sort of couch was laid for the American, and covered over with + the tent. The small stock of provisions did not add much to the weight, + but, to make up the deficiency, as much wood was piled up on it as it + could hold. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor did the packing, and made an exact calculation of how long + their stores would last. He found that, by allowing three-quarter rations + to each man and full rations to the dogs, they might hold out for three + weeks. + </p> + <p> + Towards seven in the evening, they felt so worn out that they were obliged + to give up work for the night; but, before lying down to sleep, they + heaped up the wood in the stove, and made a roaring fire, determined to + allow themselves this parting luxury. As they gathered round it, basking + in the unaccustomed heat, and enjoying their hot coffee and biscuits and + pemmican, they became quite cheerful, and forgot all their sufferings. + </p> + <p> + About seven in the morning they set to work again and by three in the + afternoon everything was ready. + </p> + <p> + It was almost dark, for, though the sun had reappeared above the horizon + since the 31st of January, his light was feeble and of short duration. + Happily the moon would rise about half-past six, and her soft beams would + give sufficient light to show the road. + </p> + <p> + The parting moment came. Altamont was overjoyed at the idea of starting, + though the jolting would necessarily increase his sufferings, for the + Doctor would find on board the medicines he required for his cure. + </p> + <p> + They lifted him on to the sledge, and laid him as comfortably as possible, + and then harnessed the dogs, including Duk. One final look towards the icy + bed where the <i>Forward</i> had been, and the little party set out for + the <i>Porpoise</i>. Bell was scout, as before; the Doctor and Johnson + took each a side of the sledge, and lent a helping hand when necessary; + while Hatteras walked behind to keep all in the right track. + </p> + <p> + They got on pretty quickly, for the weather was good, and the ice smooth + and hard, allowing the sledge to glide easily along, yet the temperature + was so low that men and dogs were soon panting, and had often to stop and + take breath. About seven the moon shone out, and irradiated the whole + horizon. Far as the eye could see, there was nothing visible but a wide- + stretching level plain of ice, without a solitary hummock or patch to + relieve the uniformity. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + As the Doctor remarked to his companion, it looked like some vast, + monotonous desert. + </p> + <p> + "Ay! Mr. Clawbonny, it is a desert, but we shan't die of thirst in it at + any rate." + </p> + <p> + "That's a comfort, certainly, but I'll tell you one thing: it proves, + Johnson, we must be a great distance from any coast. The nearer the coast, + the more numerous the icebergs in general, and you see there is not one in + sight." + </p> + <p> + "The horizon is rather misty, though." + </p> + <p> + "So it is, but ever since we started, we have been on this same + interminable ice-field." + </p> + <p> + "Do you know, Mr. Clawbonny, that smooth as this ice is, we are going over + most dangerous ground? Fathomless abysses lie beneath our feet." + </p> + <p> + "That's true enough, but they won't engulph us. This white sheet over them + is pretty tough, I can tell you. It is always getting thicker too; for in + these latitudes, it snows nine days out of ten even in April and May; ay, + and in June as well. The ice here, in some parts, cannot be less than + between thirty and forty feet thick." + </p> + <p> + "That sounds reassuring, at all events." said Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, we're not like the skaters on the Serpentine-always in danger of + falling through. This ice is strong enough to bear the weight of the + Custom House in Liverpool, or the Houses of Parliament in Westminster." + </p> + <p> + "Can they reckon pretty nearly what ice will bear, Mr. Clawbonny?" asked + the old sailor, always eager for information. + </p> + <p> + "What can't be reckoned now-a-days? Yes, ice two inches thick will bear a + man; three and a half inches, a man on horse-back; five inches, an eight + pounder; eight inches, field artillery; and ten inches, a whole army." + </p> + <p> + "It is difficult to conceive of such a power of resistance, but you were + speaking of the incessant snow just now, and I cannot help wondering where + it comes from, for the water all round is frozen, and what makes the + clouds?" + </p> + <p> + "That's a natural enough question, but my notion is that nearly all the + snow or rain that we get here comes from the temperate zones. I fancy each + of those snowflakes was originally a drop of water in some river, caught + up by evaporation into the air, and wafted over here in the shape of + clouds; so that it is not impossible that when we quench our thirst with + the melted snow, we are actually drinking from the very rivers of our own + native land." + </p> + <p> + Just at this moment the conversation was interrupted by Hatteras, who + called out that they were getting out of the straight line. The increasing + mist made it difficult to keep together, and at last, about eight o'clock, + they determined to come to a halt, as they had gone fifteen miles. The + tent was put up and the stove lighted, and after their usual supper they + lay down and slept comfortably till morning. + </p> + <p> + The calm atmosphere was highly favourable, for though the cold became + intense, and the mercury was always frozen in the thermometer, they found + no difficulty in continuing their route, confirming the truth of Parry's + assertion that any man suitably clad may walk abroad with impunity in the + lowest temperature, provided there is no wind; while, on the other hand, + the least breeze would make the skin smart acutely, and bring on violent + headache, which would soon end in death. + </p> + <p> + On the 5th of March a peculiar phenomenon occurred. The sky was perfectly + clear and glittering with stars, when suddenly snow began to fall thick + and fast, though there was not a cloud in the heavens and through the + white flakes the constellations could be seen shining. This curious + display lasted two hours, and ceased before the Doctor could arrive at any + satisfactory conclusion as to its cause. + </p> + <p> + The moon had ended her last quarter, and complete darkness prevailed now + for seventeen hours out of the twenty-four. The travellers had to fasten + themselves together with a long rope to avoid getting separated, and it + was all but impossible to pursue the right course. Moreover, the brave + fellows, in spite of their iron will, began to show signs of fatigue. + Halts became more frequent, and yet every hour was precious, for the + provisions were rapidly coming to an end. + </p> + <p> + Hatteras hardly knew what to think as day after day went on without + apparent result, and he asked himself sometimes whether the <i>Porpoise</i> + had any actual existence except in Altamont's fevered brain, and more than + once the idea even came into his head that perhaps national hatred might + have induced the American to drag them along with himself to certain + death. + </p> + <p> + He told the Doctor his suppositions, who rejected them absolutely, and + laid them down to the score of the unhappy rivalry that had arisen already + between the two captains. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + On the 14th of March, after sixteen days' march the little party found + themselves only yet in the 82º latitude. Their strength was exhausted, and + they had a hundred miles more to go. To increase their sufferings, rations + had to be still further reduced. Each man must be content with a fourth + part to allow the dogs their full quantity. + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately they could not rely at all on their guns, for only seven + charges of powder were left, and six balls. They had fired at several + hares and foxes on the road already, but unsuccessfully. + </p> + <p> + However, on the 15th, the Doctor was fortunate enough to surprise a seal + basking on the ice, and, after several shots, the animal was captured and + killed. + </p> + <p> + Johnson soon had it skinned and cut in pieces, but it was so lean that it + was worthless as food, unless its captors would drink the oil like the + Esquimaux. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor was bold enough to make the attempt, but failed in spite of + himself. + </p> + <p> + Next day several icebergs and hummocks were noticed on the horizon. Was + this a sign that land was near, or was it some ice-field that had broken + up? It was difficult to know what to surmise. + </p> + <p> + On arriving at the first of these hummocks, the travellers set to work to + make a cave in it where they could rest more comfortably than in the tent, + and after three hours' persevering toil, were able to light their stove + and lie down beside it to stretch their weary limbs. + </p> + <p> + <a name="IV" id="IV"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER IV. + </h4> + <h4> + THE LAST CHARGE OF POWDER + </h4> + <p> + Johnson was obliged to take the dogs inside the hut, for they would have + been soon frozen outside in such dry weather. Had it been snowing they + would have been safe enough, for the snow served as a covering, and kept + in the natural heat of the animals. + </p> + <p> + The old sailor, who made a first-rate dog-driver, tried his beasts with + the oily flesh of the seal; and found, to his joyful surprise, that they + ate it greedily. The Doctor said he was not astonished at this, as in + North America the horses were chiefly fed on fish; and he thought that + what would satisfy an herbivorous horse might surely content an omnivorous + dog. + </p> + <p> + The whole party were soon buried in deep sleep, for they were fairly + overcome with fatigue. Johnson awoke his companions early next morning, + and the march was resumed in haste. Their lives depended now on their + speed, for provisions would only hold out three days longer. + </p> + <p> + The sky was magnificent; the atmosphere extremely clear, and the + temperature very low. The sun rose in the form of a long ellipse, owing to + refraction, which made his horizontal diameter appear twice the length of + his vertical. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + The Doctor, gun in hand, wandered away from the others, braving the + solitude and the cold in the hope of discovering game. He had only + sufficient powder left to load three times, and he had just three balls. + That was little enough should he encounter a bear, for it often takes ten + or twelve shots to have any effect on these enormous animals. + </p> + <p> + But the brave Doctor would have been satisfied with humbler game. A few + hares or foxes would be a welcome addition to their scanty food; but all + that day, if even he chanced to see one, either he was too far away, or he + was deceived by refraction, and took a wrong aim. He came back to his + companions at night with crestfallen looks, having wasted one ball and one + charge of powder. + </p> + <p> + Next day the route appeared more difficult, and the weary men could hardly + drag themselves along. The dogs had devoured even the entrails of the + seal, and began to gnaw their traces. + </p> + <p> + A few foxes passed in the distance, and the Doctor lost another ball in + attempting to shoot them. + </p> + <p> + They were forced to come to a halt early in the evening, though the road + was illumined by a splendid Aurora Borealis; for they could not put one + foot before the other. + </p> + <p> + Their last meal, on the Sunday evening, was a very sad one-if no + providential help came, their doom was sealed. + </p> + <p> + Johnson set a few traps before going to sleep, though he had no baits to + put inside them. He was very disappointed to find them all empty in the + morning, and was returning gloomily to the hut, when he perceived a bear + of huge dimensions. The old sailor took it into his head that Heaven had + sent this beast specially for him to kill; and without waking his + comrades, he seized the Doctor's gun, and was soon in pursuit of his prey. + On reaching the right distance, he took aim; but, just as his finger + touched the trigger, he felt his arm tremble. His thick gloves hampered + him, and, flinging them hastily off, he took up the gun with a firmer + grasp. But what a cry of agony escaped him! The skin of his fingers stuck + to the gun as if it had been + </p> + <p> + red-hot, and he was forced to let it drop. The sudden fall made it go off, + and the last ball was discharged in the air. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor ran out at the noise of the report, and understood all at a + glance. He saw the animal walking quietly off, and poor Johnson forgetting + his sufferings in his despair. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + "I am a regular milksop!" he exclaimed, "a cry-baby, that can't stand the + least pain! And at my age, too!" + </p> + <p> + "Come, Johnson; go in at once, or you will be frost-bitten. Look at your + hands-they are white already! Come, come this minute." + </p> + <p> + "I am not worth troubling about, Mr. Clawbonny," said the old boatswain. + "Never mind me!" + </p> + <p> + "But you must come in, you obstinate fellow. Come, now, I tell you; it + will be too late presently." + </p> + <p> + At last he succeeded in dragging the poor fellow into the tent, where he + made him plunge his hands into a + </p> + <p> + bowl of water, which the heat of the stove kept in a liquid state, though + still cold. Johnson's hands had hardy touched it before it froze + immediately. + </p> + <p> + "You see it was high time you came in; I should have been forced to + amputate soon," said the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + Thanks to his endeavours, all danger was over in about an hour, but he was + advised to keep his hands at a good distance from the stove for some time + still. + </p> + <p> + That morning they had no breakfast. Pemmican and salt beef were both done. + Not a crumb of biscuit remained. They were obliged to content themselves + with half a cup of hot coffee, and start off again. + </p> + <p> + They scarcely went three miles before they were compelled to give up for + the day. They had no supper but coffee, and the dogs were so ravenous that + they were almost devouring each other. + </p> + <p> + Johnson fancied he could see the bear following them in the distance, but + he made no remark to his companions. Sleep forsook the unfortunate men, + and their eyes grew wild and haggard. + </p> + <p> + Tuesday morning came, and it was thirty-four hours since they had tasted a + morsel of food. Yet these brave, stout-hearted men continued their march, + sustained by their superhuman energy of purpose. They pushed the sledge + themselves, for the dogs could no longer draw it. + </p> + <p> + At the end of two hours, they sank exhausted. Hatteras urged them to make + a fresh attempt, but his entreaties and supplications were powerless; they + could not do impossibilities. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + "Well, at any rate," he said, "I won't die of cold if I must of hunger." + He set to work to hew out + </p> + <p> + a hut in an iceberg, aided by Johnson, and really they looked like men + digging their own tomb. + </p> + <p> + It was hard labour, but at length the task was accomplished. The little + house was ready, and the miserable men took up their abode in it. + </p> + <p> + In the evening, while the others lay motionless, a sort of hallucination + came over Johnson, and he began raving about bears. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor roused himself from his torpor, and asked the old man what he + meant, and what bear he was talking about. + </p> + <p> + "The bear that is following us," replied Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "A bear following us?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, for the last two days!" + </p> + <p> + "For the last two days! You have seen him?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, about a mile to leeward." + </p> + <p> + "And you never told me, Johnson!" + </p> + <p> + "What was the good!" + </p> + <p> + "True enough," said the Doctor; "we have not a single bail to send after + him!" + </p> + <p> + "No, not even a bit of iron!" + </p> + <p> + The Doctor was silent for a minute, as if thinking. Then he said- + </p> + <p> + "Are you quite certain the animal is following us?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Mr. Clawbonny, he is reckoning on a good feed of human flesh!" + </p> + <p> + "Johnson!" exclaimed the Doctor, grieved at the despairing mood of his + companion. + </p> + <p> +"He is sure enough of his meal!" continued the poor fellow, whose brain +had begun to give way. "He must be hungry, and I don’t see why we should +keep him waiting." +</p> + <p> +"Johnson, calm yourself!" + +"No, Mr Clowbonny, sine we must die, why prolong the sufferings of the +poor beast? He is famished like ourselves. There are no seals for him to +eat, and Heaven sends hiim men! So much the better for him, that’s all!" +</p> + <p> +Johnson was fast going mad. He wanted to get up and leave the hut, and +the doctor had great difficulty in preventing him. That he succeeded at +all, was not through strength, but by saying in a tone of absolute +conviction, "Johnson, I shall kill that bear to-morrow!" +</p> + <p> +"To-morrow!" said Johnson, as if waking up from some bad dream. +</p> + <p> +"Yes, to-morrow." +</p> + + <p> + "You have no ball!" + </p> + <p> + "I'll make one." + </p> + <p> + "You have no lead!" + </p> + <p> + "No, but I have mercury." + </p> + <p> + So saying, he took the thermometer, which stood at 50° above zero, and + went outside and laid it on a block of ice. Then he came in again, and + said, "Tomorrow! Go to sleep, and wait till the sun rises." + </p> + <p> + With the first streak of dawn next day, the Doctor and Johnson rushed out + to look at the thermometer. All the mercury had frozen into a compact + cylindrical mass. The Doctor broke the tube and took it out. Here was a + hard piece of metal ready for use. + </p> + <p> + "It is wonderful, Mr. Clawbonny; you ought to be a proud man." + </p> + <p> + "Not at all, my friend, I am only gifted with a good memory, and I have + read a great deal." + </p> + <p> + "How did that help you?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, I just happened to recollect a fact related by Captain Ross in his + voyages. He states that they pierced a plank, an inch thick, with a bullet + made of mercury. Oil would even have suited my purpose, for, he adds, that + a ball of frozen almond oil splits through a post without breaking in + pieces." + </p> + <p> + "It is quite incredible!" + </p> + <p> + "But it is a fact, Johnson. Well, come now, this bit of metal may save our + lives. We'll leave it exposed to the air a little while, and go and have a + look for the bear." + </p> + <p> + Just then Hatteras made his appearance, and the + </p> + <p> + Doctor told him his project, and showed him the mercury. + </p> + <p> + The captain grasped his hand silently, and the three hunters went off in + quest of their game. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + The weather was very clear, and Hatteras, who was a little ahead of the + others, speedily discovered the bear about three hundred yards distant, + sitting on his hind quarters sniffing the air, evidently scenting the + intruders on his domains. + </p> + <p> + "There he is!" he exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + "Hush!" cried the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + But the enormous quadruped, even when he perceived his antagonists, never + stirred, and displayed neither fear nor anger. It would not be easy to get + near him, however, and Hatteras said- + </p> + <p> + "Friends, this is no idle sport, our very existence is at stake; we must + act prudently." + </p> + <p> +"Yes," replied the Doctor, "for we have but the one shot to depend upon. +We must not miss, for if once the beast took to his heels we have lost +all chance of him. He would outstrip a hare in fleetness!" +</p> + <p> +"We must go right up to him," said Johnson, "that is the only way. It is +risking one’s life, of course; but what does that matter? Let me risk mine." +</p> + <p> +"No, I wish to take the risk on myself," said the Doctor. +</p> + <p> +"I am the one to go," said Hatteras, quietly. +</p> + <p> +"But, captain, is your life not more necessary for the safety of all +than a stupid old man’s like mine?" +</p> + <p> +"No, Johnson, let me go. I’ll not risk myself unnecessarily. Besides, I +may possibly need your assistance." +</p> + <p> +"Hatteras," asked the Doctor, "do you mean to walk right up to the bear?" +</p> + <p> +"If I were certain of getting a shot at him, I would do that if it cost +me my head; but he might scamper off at my approach. No, Bruin is a +cunning fellow, and we must try and be a match for him." +</p> + <p> +"What plan have you got in your head?" + +"To get within ten paces of him without letting him suspect it." +</p> + <p> +"And how will you manage that?" +</p> + <p> +"Well, my scheme is simple enough, though rather dangerous. You kept the +skin of the seal you killed, didn’t you?" +</p> + <p> +"It is on the sledge." +</p> + <p> +"All right! Let us get back to the hut, and leave Johnson here to watch." + +Away they went, while the old boatswain slipped + behind a hummock, which completely hid him from the bear, who continued + still in the same place and in the same position. + </p> + <p> + <a name="V" id="V"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER V. + </h4> + <h4> + THE SEAL AND THE BEAR. + </h4> + <p> + "You know, Doctor," said Hatteras, as they returned to the hut, "the polar + bears subsist almost entirely on seals. They'll lie in wait for them + beside the crevasses for whole days, ready to strangle them the moment + their heads appear above the surface. It is not likely, then, that a bear + will be frightened of a seal." + </p> + <p> + "I think I see what you are after, but it is dangerous." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, but there is more chance of success than in trying any other plan, + so I mean to risk it. I am going to dress myself in the seal's skin, and + creep along the ice. Come, don't let us lose time. Load the gun and give + it me." + </p> + <p> + The Doctor could not say anything, for he would have done the same + himself, so he followed Hatteras silently to the sledge, taking with him a + couple of hatchets for his own and Johnson's use. + </p> + <p> + Hatteras soon made his <i>toilette</i>, and slipped into the skin, which + was big enough to cover him almost entirely. + </p> + <p> + "Now, then, give me the gun," he said, "and you be off to Johnson. I must + try and steal a march on my adversary." + </p> + <p> + "Courage, Hatteras!" said the Doctor, handing him the weapon, which he had + carefully loaded meanwhile. + </p> + <p> + "Never fear! but be sure you don't show yourselves till I fire." + </p> + <p> + The Doctor soon joined the old boatswain behind the hummock, and told him + what they had been doing. The bear was still there, but moving restlessly + about, as if he felt the approach of danger. + </p> + <p> + In a quarter of an hour or so the seal made his appearance on the ice. He + had gone a good way round, so as to come on the bear by surprise, and + every movement was so perfect an imitation of a seal, that even the Doctor + would have been deceived if he had not known it was Hatteras. + </p> + <p> + "It is capital!" said Johnson, in a low voice. The bear had instantly + caught sight of the supposed seal, for he gathered himself up, preparing + to make a spring as the animal came nearer, apparently seeking to return + to his native element, and unaware of the enemy's proximity. Bruin went to + work with extreme prudence, though his eyes glared with greedy desire to + clutch the coveted prey, for he had probably been fasting a month, if not + two. He allowed his victim to get within ten paces of him, and then sprang + forward with a tremendous bound, but stopped short, stupefied and + frightened, within three steps of Hatteras, who started up that moment, + and, throwing off his disguise, knelt on one knee, and aimed straight at + the bear's heart. He fired, and the huge monster rolled back on the ice. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + "Forward! Forward!" shouted the Doctor, hurrying towards Hatteras, for the + bear had reared on his hind legs, and was striking the air with one paw + and tearing up the snow to stanch his wound with the other. + </p> + <p> + Hatteras never moved, but waited, knife in hand. He had aimed well, and + fired with a sure and steady aim. Before either of his companions came up + he had plunged the knife in the animal's throat, and made an end of him, + for he fell down at once to rise no more. + </p> + <p> + "Hurrah! Bravo!" shouted Johnson and the Doctor, but Hatteras was as cool + and unexcited as possible, and stood with folded arms gazing at his + prostrate foe. + </p> + <p> + "It is my turn now," said Johnson. "It is a good thing the bear is killed, + but if we leave him out here much longer, he will get as hard as a stone, + and we shall be able to do nothing with him." + </p> + <p> + He began forthwith to strip the skin off, and a fine business it was, for + the enormous quadruped was almost as large as an ox. It measured nearly + nine feet long, and four round, and the great tusks in his jaws were three + inches long. + </p> + <p> + On cutting the carcase open, Johnson found nothing but water in the + stomach. The beast had evidently had no food for a long time, yet it was + very fat, and weighed fifteen hundred pounds. The hunters were so famished + that they had hardly patience to carry home the flesh to be cooked, and it + needed all the Doctor's persuasion to prevent them eating it raw. + </p> + <p> + On entering the hut, each man with a load on his back, Clawbonny was + struck with the coldness that pervaded the atmosphere. On going up to the + stove he found the fire black out. The exciting business of the morning + had made Johnson neglect his accustomed duty of replenishing the stove. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor tried to blow the embers into a flame, but finding he could not + even get a red spark, he went out to the sledge to fetch tinder, and get + the steel from Johnson. + </p> + <p> + The old sailor put his hand into his pocket, but was surprised to find the + steel missing. He felt in the other pockets, but it was not there. Then he + went into the hut again, and shook the blanket he had slept in all night, + but his search was still unsuccessful. + </p> + <p> + He went back to his companions and said- + </p> + <p> + "Are you sure, Doctor, you haven't the steel?" + </p> + <p> + "Quite, Johnson." + </p> + <p> + "And you haven't it either, captain?" + </p> + <p> + "Not I!" replied Hatteras. + </p> + <p> + "It has always been in your keeping," said the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I have not got it now!" exclaimed Johnson, turning pale. + </p> + <p> + "Not got the steel!" repeated the Doctor, shuddering involuntarily at the + bare idea of its loss, for it was all the means they had of procuring a + fire. + </p> + <p> + "Look again, Johnson," he said. + </p> + <p> + The boatswain hurried to the only remaining place he could think of, the + hummock where he had stood to watch the bear. But the missing treasure was + nowhere to be found, and the old sailor returned in despair. + </p> + <p> + Hatteras looked at him, but no word of reproach escaped his lips. He only + said- + </p> + <p> + "This is a serious business, Doctor." + </p> + <p> + "It is, indeed!" said Clawbonny. + </p> + <p> + "We have not even an instrument, some glass that we might take the lens + out of, and use like a burning glass." + </p> + <p> + "No, and it is a great pity, for the sun's rays are quite strong enough + just now to light our tinder." + </p> + <p> + "Well," said Hatteras, "we must just appease our hunger with the raw meat, + and set off again as soon as we can, to try to discover the ship." + </p> + <p> + "Yes!" replied Clawbonny, speaking to himself, absorbed in his own + reflections. "Yes, that might do at a pinch! Why not? We might try." + </p> + <p> + "What are you dreaming about?" asked Hatteras. + </p> + <p> + "An idea has just occurred to me." + </p> + <p> + "An idea come into your head, Doctor," exclaimed Johnson; "then we are + saved!" + </p> + <p> + "Will it succeed? that's the question." + </p> + <p> + "What's your project?" said Hatteras. + </p> + <p> + "We want a lens; well, let us make one." + </p> + <p> + "How?" asked Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "With a piece of ice." + </p> + <p> + "What? Do you think that would do?" + </p> + <p> + "Why not? All that is needed is to collect the sun's rays into one common + focus, and ice will serve that purpose as well as the finest crystal." + </p> + <p> + "Is it possible?" said Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, only I should like fresh water ice, it is harder and more + transparent than the other." + </p> + <p> + "There it is to your hand, if I am not much mistaken," said Johnson, + pointing to a hummock close by. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + "I fancy that is fresh water, from the dark look of it, and the green + tinge." + </p> + <p> + "You are right. Bring your hatchet, Johnson." + </p> + <p> + A good-sized piece was soon cut off, about a foot in diameter, and the + Doctor set to work. He began by chopping it into rough shape with the + hatchet; then he operated upon it more carefully with his knife, making as + smooth a surface as possible, and finished the polishing process with his + fingers, rubbing away until he had obtained as transparent a lens as if it + had been made of magnificent crystal. + </p> + <p> + The sun was shining brilliantly enough for the Doctor's experiment. The + tinder was fetched, and held beneath the lens so as to catch the rays in + full power. In a few seconds it took fire, to Johnson's rapturous delight. + </p> + <p> + He danced about like an idiot, almost beside himself with joy, and + shouted, "Hurrah! hurrah!" while Clawbonny hurried back into the hut and + rekindled the fire. The stove was soon roaring, and it was not many + minutes before the savoury odour of broiled bear-steaks roused Bell from + his torpor. + </p> + <p> + What a feast this meal was to the poor starving men may be imagined. The + Doctor, however, counselled moderation in eating, and set the example + himself. + </p> + <p> + "This is a glad day for us," he said, "and we have no fear of wanting food + all the rest of our journey. Still we must not forget we have further to + go yet, and I think the sooner we start the better." + </p> + <p> + "We cannot be far off now," said Altamont, who could almost articulate + perfectly again; "we must be within forty-eight hours' march of the <i>Porpoise</i>." + </p> + <p> + "I hope we'll find something there to make a fire with," said the Doctor, + smiling. "My lens does well enough at present; but it needs the sun, and + there are plenty of days when he does not make his appearance here, within + less than four degrees of the pole." + </p> + <p> + "Less than four degrees!" repeated Altamont, with a sigh; "yes, my ship + went further than any other has ever ventured." + </p> + <p> + "It is time we started," said Hatteras, abruptly. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," replied the Doctor, glancing uneasily at the two captains. + </p> + <p> + The dogs were speedily harnessed to the sledge, and the march resumed. + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + As they went along, the Doctor tried to get out of Altamont the real + motive that had brought him so far north. But the American made only + evasive replies, and Clawbonny whispered in old Johnson's ear- + </p> + <p> + "Two men we've got that need looking after." + </p> + <p> + "You are right," said Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "Hatteras never says a word to this American, and I must say the man has + not shown himself very grateful. I am here, fortunately." + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Clawbonny," said Johnson, "now this Yankee has come back to life + again, I must confess I don't much like the expression of his face." + </p> + <p> + "I am much mistaken if he does not suspect the projects of Hatteras." + </p> + <p> + "Do you think his own were similar?" + </p> + <p> + "Who knows? These Americans, Johnson, are bold, daring fellows. It is + likely enough an American would try to do as much as an Englishman." + </p> + <p> + "Then you think that Altamont-" + </p> + <p> + "I think nothing about it, but his ship is certainly on the road to the + North Pole." + </p> + <p> + "But didn't Altamont say that he had been caught among the ice, and + dragged there irresistibly?" + </p> + <p> + "He said so, but I fancied there was a peculiar smile on his lips while he + spoke." + </p> + <p> + "Hang it! It would be a bad job, Mr. Clawbonny, if any feeling of rivalry + came between two men of their stamp." + </p> + <p> + "Heaven forfend! for it might involve the most serious consequences, + Johnson." + </p> + <p> + "I hope Altamont will remember he owes his life to us?" + </p> + <p> + "But do we not owe ours to him now? I grant, without us, he would not be + alive at this moment, but without him and his ship, what would become of + us?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, Mr. Clawbonny, you are here to keep things straight anyhow, and + that is a blessing." + </p> + <p> + "I hope I may manage it, Johnson." + </p> + <p> + The journey proceeded without any fresh incident, but on the Saturday + morning the travellers found themselves in a region of quite an altered + character. Instead of the wide smooth plain of ice that had hitherto + stretched before them, overturned icebergs and broken hummocks covered the + horizon; while the frequent blocks of fresh-water ice showed that some + coast was near. + </p> + <p> + Next day, after a hearty breakfast off the bear's paws, the little party + continued their route; but the road became toilsome and fatiguing. + Altamont lay watching the horizon with feverish anxiety-an anxiety shared + by all his companions, for, according to the last reckoning made by + Hatteras, they were now exactly in latitude 83° 35" and longitude 120° + 15", and the question of life or death would be decided before the day was + over. + </p> + <p> + At last, about two o'clock in the afternoon, Altamont started up with a + shout that arrested the whole party, and pointing to a white mass that no + eye but his could have distinguished from the surrounding icebergs, + exclaimed in a loud, ringing voice, "The <i>Porpoise</i>." + </p> + <p> + <a name="VI" id="VI"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER VI. + </h4> + <h4> + THE <i>PORPOISE</i> + </h4> + <p> + It was the 24th of March, and Palm Sunday, a bright, joyous day in many a + town and village of the Old World, but in this desolate region what + mournful silence prevailed! No willow branches here with their silvery + blossom - not even a single withered leaf to be seen - not a blade of + grass! + </p> + <p> + Yet this was a glad day to the travellers, for it promised them speedy + deliverance from the death that had seemed so inevitable. + </p> + <p> + They hastened onward, the dogs put forth renewed energy, and Duk barked + his loudest, till, before long, they arrived at the ship. The <i>Porpoise</i> + was completely buried under the snow. All her masts and rigging had been + destroyed in the shipwreck, and she was lying on a bed of rocks so + entirely on her side that her hull was uppermost. + </p> + <p> + They had to knock away fifteen feet of ice before they could even catch a + glimpse of her, and it was not without great difficulty that they managed + to get on board, and made the welcome discovery that the provision stores + had not been visited by any four-footed marauders. It was quite evident, + however, that the ship was not habitable. + </p> + <p> + "Never mind!" said Hatteras, "we must build a snow-house, and make + ourselves comfortable on land." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, but we need not hurry over it," said the Doctor; "let us do it well + while we're about it, and for a time we can make shift on board; for we + must build a good, substantial house, that will protect us from the bears + as well as the cold. I'll undertake to be the architect, and you shall see + what a first-rate job I'll make of it." + </p> + <p> + "I don't doubt your talents, Mr. Clawbonny," replied Johnson; "but, + meantime, let us see about taking up our abode here, and making an + inventory of the stores we find. There does not seem a boat visible of any + description, and I fear these timbers are in too bad a condition to build + a new ship out of them." + </p> + <p> + "I don't know that," returned Clawbonny, "time and thought do wonders; but + our first business is to build a house, and not a ship; one thing at a + time, I propose." + </p> + <p> + "And quite right too," said Hatteras; "so we'll go ashore again." + </p> + <p> + They returned to the sledge, to communicate the result of their + investigation to Bell and Altamont; and about four in the afternoon the + five men installed themselves as well as they could on the wreck. Bell had + managed to make a tolerably level floor with planks and spars; the + stiffened cushions and hammocks were placed round the stove to thaw, and + were soon fit for use. Altamont, with the Doctor's assistance, got on + board without much trouble, and a sigh of satisfaction escaped him as if + he felt himself once more at home-a sigh which to Johnson's ear boded no + good. + </p> + <p> + The rest of the day was given to repose, and they wound up with a good + supper off the remains of the bear, backed by a plentiful supply of + biscuit and hot tea. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: The poor fellows felt like colonists safely arrived at + their destination-P.57] + </p> + <p> + It was late next morning before Hatteras and his companions woke, for + their minds were not burdened now with any solicitudes about the morrow, + and they might sleep as long as they pleased. The poor fellows felt like + colonists safely arrived at their destination, who had forgotten all the + sufferings of the voyage, and thought only of the new life that lay before + them. + </p> + <p> + "Well, it is something at all events," said the Doctor, rousing himself + and stretching his arms, "for a fellow not to need to ask where he is + going to find his next bed and breakfast." + </p> + <p> + "Let us see what there is on board before we say much," said Johnson. + </p> + <p> + The <i>Porpoise</i> has been thoroughly equipped and provisioned for a + long voyage, and, on making an inventory of what stores remained, they + found 6150 lbs. of flour, fat, and raisins; 2000 lbs. of salt beef and + pork, 1500 lbs. of pemmican; 700 lbs. of sugar, and the same of chocolate; + a chest and a half of tea, weighing 96 lbs.; 500 lbs. of rice; several + barrels of preserved fruits and vegetables; a quantity of lime-juice, with + all sorts of medicines, and 300 gallons of rum and brandy. There was also + a large supply of gunpowder, ball, and shot, and coal and wood in + abundance. + </p> + <p> + Altogether, there was enough to last those five men for more than two + years, and all fear of death from starvation or cold was at an end. + </p> + <p> + "Well, Hatteras, we're sure of enough to live on now," said the Doctor, + "and there is nothing to hinder us reaching the Pole." + </p> + <p> + "The Pole!" echoed Hatteras. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, why not? Can't we push our way overland in the summer months?" + </p> + <p> + "We might overland; but how could we cross water?" + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps we may be able to build a boat out of some of the ship's planks." + </p> + <p> + "Out of an American ship!" exclaimed the captain, contemptuously. + </p> + <p> + Clawbonny was prudent enough to make no reply, and presently changed the + conversation by saying- + </p> + <p> + "Well, now we have seen what we have to depend upon, we must begin our + house and store-rooms. We have materials enough at hand; and, Bell, I hope + you are going to distinguish yourself," he added. + </p> + <p> + "I am ready, Mr. Clawbonny," replied Bell; "and, as for material, there is + enough for a town here with houses and streets." + </p> + <p> + "We don't require that; we'll content ourselves with imitating the + Hudson's Bay Company. They entrench themselves in fortresses against the + Indians and wild beasts. That's all we need-a house one side and stores + the other, with a wall and two bastions. I must try to make a plan." + </p> + <p> + "Ah! Doctor, if you undertake it," said Johnson, "I am sure you'll make a + good thing of it." + </p> + <p> + "Well, the first part of the business is to go and choose the ground. Will + you come with us Hatteras?" + </p> + <p> + "I'll trust all that to you, Doctor," replied the captain. "I'm going to + look along the coast." + </p> + <p> + Altamont was too feeble yet to take part in any work, so he remained on + the ship, while the others commenced to explore the unknown continent. + </p> + <p> + On examining the coast, they found that the <i>Porpoise</i> was in a sort + of bay bristling with dangerous rocks, and that to the west, far as the + eye could reach, the sea extended, entirely frozen now, though if Belcher + and Penny were to be believed, open during the summer months. Towards the + north, a promontory stretched out into the sea, and about three miles away + was an island of moderate size. The roadstead thus formed would have + afforded safe anchorage to ships, but for the difficulty of entering it. A + considerable distance inland there was a solitary mountain, about 3000 + feet high, by the Doctor's reckoning; and half-way up the steep rocky + cliffs that rose from the shore, they noticed a circular plateau, open on + three sides to the bay and sheltered on the fourth by a precipitous wall, + 120 feet high. + </p> + <p> + This seemed to the Doctor the very place for this house, from its + naturally fortified situation. By cutting steps in the ice, they managed + to climb up and examine it more closely. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + They were soon convinced they could not have a better foundation, and + resolved to commence operations forthwith, by removing the hard snow more + than ten feet deep, which covered the ground, as both dwelling and + storehouses must have a solid foundation. + </p> + <p> + This preparatory work occupied the whole of Monday, Tuesday, and + Wednesday. At last they came to hard granite close in grain, and + containing garnets and felspar crystals, which flew out with every stroke + of the pickaxe. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + The dimensions and plan of the snow-house were then settled by the Doctor. + It was to be divided into three rooms, as all they needed was a bed-room, + sitting-room and kitchen. The sitting-room was to be in the middle, the + kitchen to the left, and the bed-room to the right. + </p> + <p> + For five days they toiled unremittingly. There was plenty of material, and + the walls required to be thick enough to resist summer thaws. Already the + house began to present an imposing appearance. There were four windows in + front, made of splendid sheets of ice, in Esquimaux fashion, through which + the light came softly in as if through frosted glass. + </p> + <p> + Outside there was a long covered passage between the two windows of the + sitting-room. This was the entrance hall, and it was shut in by a strong + door taken from the cabin of the <i>Porpoise</i>. The Doctor was highly + delighted with his performance when all was finished, for though it would + have been difficult to say to what style of architecture it belonged, it + was strong, and that was the chief thing. + </p> + <p> + The next business was to move in all the furniture of the <i>Porpoise</i>. + The beds were brought first and laid down round the large stove in the + sleeping room; then came chairs, tables, arm-chairs, cupboards, and + benches for the sitting-room, and finally the ship furnaces and cooking + utensils for the kitchen. Sails spread on the ground did duty for carpets, + and also served for inner doors. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + The walls of the house were over five feet thick, and the windows + resembled port-holes for cannon. Every part was as solid as possible, and + what more was wanted? Yet if the Doctor could have had his way, he would + have made all manner of ornamental additions, in humble imitation of the + Ice Palace built in St. Petersburgh in January, 1740, of which he had read + an account. He amused his companions after work in the evening by + describing its grandeur, the cannons in front, and statues of exquisite + beauty, and the wonderful elephant that spouted water out of his trunk by + day and flaming naphtha by night-all cut out of ice. He also depicted the + interior, with tables, and toilette tables, mirrors, candelabra, tapers, + beds, mattresses, pillows, curtains, time-pieces, chairs, playing-cards, + wardrobes, completely fitted up-in fact, everything in the way of + furniture that could be mentioned, and the whole entirely composed of ice. + </p> + <p> + It was on Easter Sunday, the 31st of March, when the travellers installed + themselves in their new abode and after holding divine service in the + sitting-room, they devoted the remainder of the day to rest. + </p> + <p> + Next morning they set about building the storehouses and powder magazine. + This took a whole week longer, including the time spent in unloading the + vessel, which was a task of considerable difficulty, as the temperature + was so low, that they could not work for many hours at a time. At length + on the 8th of April, provisions, fuel, and ammunition were all safe on <i>terra + firma,</i> and deposited in their respective places. A sort of kennel was + constructed a little distance from the house for the Greenland dogs, which + the Doctor dignified by the name of "Dog Palace." Duk shared his master's + quarters. + </p> + <p> + All that now remained to be done was to put a parapet right round the + plateau by way of fortification. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + By the 15th this was also completed, and the snow-house might bid defiance + to a whole tribe of Esquimaux, or any other hostile invaders, if indeed + any human beings whatever were to be found on this unknown continent, for + Hatteras, who had minutely examined the bay and the surrounding coast, had + not been able to discover the least vestiges of the huts that are + generally met with on shores frequented by Greenland tribes. The + shipwrecked sailors of the <i>Porpoise</i> and <i>Forward</i> seemed to be + the first whose feet had ever trod this lone region. + </p> + <p> + <a name="VII" id="VII"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER VII. + </h4> + <h4> + AN IMPORTANT DISCUSSION. + </h4> + <p> + While all these preparations for winter were going on Altamont was fast + regaining strength. His vigorous constitution triumphed, and he was even + able to lend a helping hand in the unlading of the ship. He was a true + type of the American, a shrewd, intelligent man, full of energy and + resolution, enterprising, bold, and ready for anything. He was a native of + New York, he informed his companions, and had been a sailor from his + boyhood. + </p> + <p> + The <i>Porpoise</i> had been equipped and sent out by a company of wealthy + merchants belonging to the States, at the head of which was the famous + Grinnell. + </p> + <p> + There were many points of resemblance between Altamont and Hatteras, but + no affinities. Indeed, any similarity that there was between them, tended + rather to create discord than to make the men friends. With a greater show + of frankness, he was in reality far more deep and crafty than Hatteras. He + was more free and easy, but not so true-hearted, and somehow his apparent + openness did not inspire such confidence as the Englishman's gloomy + reserve. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + The Doctor was in constant dread of a collision between the rival + captains, and yet one must command inevitably, and which should it be! + Hatteras had the men, but Altamont had the ship, and it was hard to say + whose was the better right. + </p> + <p> + It required all the Doctor's tact to keep things smooth, for the simplest + conversation threatened to lead to strife. + </p> + <p> + At last, in spite of all his endeavours, an outbreak occurred on the + occasion of a grand banquet by way of "house-warming," when the new + habitation was completed. + </p> + <p> + This banquet was Dr Clawbonny's idea. He was head-cook, and distinguished + himself by the concoction of a wonderful pudding, which would positively + have done no dishonour to the <i>cuisine</i> of the Lord Chancellor of + England. + </p> + <p> + Bell most opportunely chanced to shoot a white hare and several + ptarmigans, which made an agreeable variety from the pemmican and salt + meat. + </p> + <p> + Clawbonny was master of the ceremonies, and brought in his pudding, + adorning himself with the insignia of his office-a big apron, and a knife + dangling at his belt. + </p> + <p> + As Altamont did not conform to the teetotal <i>régime</i> of his English + companions, gin and brandy were set on the table after dinner, and the + others, by the Doctor's orders, joined him in a glass for once, that the + festive occasion might be duly honoured. When the different toasts were + being drunk, one was given to the United States, to which Hatteras made no + response. + </p> + <p> + This important business over, the Doctor introduced an interesting subject + of conversation by saying- + </p> + <p> + "My friends, it is not enough to have come thus far in spite of so many + difficulties; we have something more yet to do. I propose we should bestow + a name on this continent, where we have found friendly shelter and rest, + and not only on the continent, but on the several bays, peaks, and + promontories that we meet with. This has been invariably done by + navigators and is a most necessary proceeding." + </p> + <p> + "Quite right," said Johnson, "when once a place is named, it takes away + the feeling of being castaways on an unknown shore." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," added Bell, "and we might be going on some expedition and obliged + to separate, or go out hunting, and it would make it much easier to find + one another if each locality had a definite name." + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + "Very well; then," said the Doctor, "since we are all agreed, let us go + steadily to work." + </p> + <p> + Hatteras had taken no part in the conversation as yet, but seeing all eyes + fixed on him, he rose at last, and said- + </p> + <p> + "If no one objects, I think the most suitable name we can give our house + is that of its skilful architect, the best man among us. Let us call it + 'Doctor's House.' " + </p> + <p> + "Just the thing!" said Bell. + </p> + <p> + "First rate!" exclaimed Johnson, " 'Doctor's House!' " + </p> + <p> + "We cannot do better," chimed in Altamont. "Hurrah for Doctor Clawbonny." + </p> + <p> + Three hearty cheers were given, in which Duk joined lustily, barking his + loudest. + </p> + <p> + "It is agreed then," said Hatteras, "that this house is to be called + 'Doctor's House.' " + </p> + <p> + The Doctor, almost overcome by his feelings, modestly protested against + the honour; but he was obliged to yield to the wishes of his friends, and + the new habitation was formally named "Doctor's House." + </p> + <p> + "Now, then," said the Doctor, "let us go onto name the most important of + our discoveries." + </p> + <p> + "There is that immense sea which surrounds us, unfurrowed as yet by a + single ship." + </p> + <p> + "A single ship!" repeated Altamont. "I think you have forgotten the <i>Porpoise</i>, + and yet she certainly did not get here overland," + </p> + <p> + "Well, it would not be difficult to believe she had," replied Hatteras, + "to see on what she lies at present." + </p> + <p> + "True, enough, Hatteras," said Altamont, in a piqued tone; "but, after + all, is not that better than being blown to atoms like the <i>Forward</i>?" + </p> + <p> + Hatteras was about to make some sharp retort, but Clawbonny interposed. + </p> + <p> + "It is not a question of ships, my friends," he said, "but of a fresh + sea." + </p> + <p> + "It is no new sea," returned Altamont; "it is in every Polar chart, and + has a name already. It is called the Arctic Ocean, and I think it would be + very inconvenient to alter its designation. Should we find out by and by, + that, instead of being an ocean it is only a strait or gulf, it will be + time enough to alter it then." + </p> + <p> + "So be it," said Hatteras. + </p> + <p> + "Very well, that is an understood thing, then," said the Doctor, almost + regretting that he had started a discussion so pregnant with national + rivalries. + </p> + <p> + "Let us proceed with the continent where we find ourselves at present," + resumed Hatteras. "I am not aware that any name whatever has been affixed + to it, even in the most recent charts." + </p> + <p> + He looked at Altamont as he spoke, who met his gaze steadily, and said- + </p> + <p> + "Possibly you may be mistaken again, Hatteras." + </p> + <p> + "Mistaken! What! This unknown continent, this virgin soil--" + </p> + <p> + "Has already a name," replied Altamont, coolly. + </p> + <p> + Hatteras was silent, but his lip quivered. + </p> + <p> + "And what name has it, then?" asked the Doctor, rather astonished at + Altamont's affirmation. + </p> + <p> + "My dear Clawbonny," replied the American, "it is the custom, not to say + the right, of every navigator to christen the soil on which he is the + first to set foot. It appears to me, therefore, that it is my privilege + and duty on this occasion to exercise my prerogative, and-" + </p> + <p> + "But, sir," interrupted Johnson, rather nettled at his <i>sang froid</i>. + </p> + <p> + "It would be a difficult matter to prove that the <i>Porpoise</i> did not + come here, even supposing she reached this coast by land," continued + Altamont, without noticing Johnson's protest. "The fact is indisputable," + he added looking at Hatteras. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: "I dispute the claim," said the Englishman, restraining + himself by a powerful effort.-P.72] + </p> + <p> + "I dispute the claim," said the Englishman, restraining himself by a + powerful effort. "To name a country, you must first discover it, I + suppose, and that you certainly did not do. Besides, but for us, where + would you have been, sir, at this moment, pray? Lying twenty feet deep + under the snow." + </p> + <p> + "And without me, sir," retorted Altamont, hotly, "without me and my ship, + where would you all be at this moment? Dead, from cold and hunger." + </p> + <p> + "Come, come, friends," said the Doctor, "don't get to words, all that can + be easily settled. Listen to me." + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Hatteras," said Altamont, "is welcome to name whatever territories he + may discover, should he succeed in discovering any; but this continent + belongs to me. I should not even consent to its having two names like + Grinnell's Land, which is also called Prince Albert's Land, because it was + discovered almost simultaneously by an Englishman and an American. This is + quite another matter; my right of priority is incontestable. No ship + before mine ever touched this shore, no foot before mine ever trod this + soil. I have given it a name, and that name it shall keep." + </p> + <p> + "And what is that name?" inquired the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + "New America," replied Altamont. + </p> + <p> + Hatteras trembled with suppressed passion, but by a violent effort + restrained himself. + </p> + <p> + "Can you prove to me," said Altamont, "that an Englishman has set foot + here before an American?" + </p> + <p> + Johnson and Bell said nothing, though quite as much offended as the + captain by Altamont's imperious tone. They felt that reply was impossible. + </p> + <p> + For a few minutes there was an awkward silence, which the Doctor broke by + saying- + </p> + <p> + "My friends, the highest human law is justice. It includes all others. Let + us be just, then, and don't let any bad feeling get in among us. The + priority of Altamont seems to me indisputable. We will take our revenge by + and by, and England will get her full share in our future discoveries. Let + the name New America stand for the continent itself, but I suppose + Altamont has not yet disposed of all the bays, and capes, and headlands it + contains, and I imagine there will be nothing to prevent us calling this + bay Victoria Bay?" + </p> + <p> + "Nothing whatever, provided that yonder cape is called Cape Washington," + replied Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "You might choose a name, sir," exclaimed Hatteras, almost beside himself + with passion, "that is less offensive to an Englishman." + </p> + <p> + "But not one which sounds so sweet to an American," retorted Altamont, + proudly. + </p> + <p> + "Come, come," said the Doctor, "no discussion on that subject. An American + has a perfect right to be proud of his great countryman! Let us honour + genius wherever it is met with; and since Altamont has made his choice, + let us take our turn next; let the captain--" + </p> + <p> + "Doctor!" interrupted Hatteras, "I have no wish that my name should figure + anywhere on this continent, seeing that it belongs to America." + </p> + <p> + "Is this your unalterable determination?" asked Clawbonny. + </p> + <p> + "It is." + </p> + <p> + The Doctor did not insist further. + </p> + <p> + "Very well, we'll have it to ourselves then," he continued, turning to + Johnson and Bell. "We'll leave our traces behind us. I propose that the + island we see out there, about three miles away from the shore, should be + called Isle Johnson, in honour of our boatswain,'' + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Mr. Clawbonny," began Johnson, in no little confusion. + </p> + <p> + "And that mountain that we discovered in the west we will call Bell Mount, + if our carpenter is willing." + </p> + <p> + "It is doing me too much honour," replied Bell. + </p> + <p> + "It is simple justice," returned the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing could be better," said Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "Now then, all we have to do is to christen our fort," said the Doctor, + "about that there will be no discussion, I hope, for it is neither to our + gracious sovereign Queen Victoria, nor to Washington, that we owe our + safety and shelter here, but to God, who brought about our meeting, and by + so doing saved us all. Let our little fort be called Fort Providence." + </p> + <p> + "Your remarks are just," said Altamont; "no name could be more suitable." + </p> + <p> + "Fort Providence," added Johnson, "sounds well too. In our future + excursions, then, we shall go by Cape Washington to Victoria Bay, and from + thence to Fort Providence, where we shall find food and rest at Doctor's + House!" + </p> + <p> + "The business is settled then so far," resumed the Doctor. "As our + discoveries multiply we shall have other names to give; but I trust, + friends, we shall have no disputes about them, for placed as we are, we + need all the help and love we can give each other. Let us be strong by + being united. Who knows what dangers yet we may have to brave, and what + sufferings to endure before we see our native land once more. Let us be + one in heart though five in number, and let us lay aside all feelings of + rivalry. Such feelings are bad enough at all times, but among us they + would be doubly wrong. You understand me, Altamont, and you, Hatteras?" + </p> + <p> + Neither of the captains replied, but the Doctor took no notice of their + silence, and went on to speak of other things. Sundry expeditions were + planned to forage for fresh food. It would soon be spring, and hares and + partridges, foxes and bears would re-appear. So it was determined that + part of every day should be spent in hunting and exploring this unknown + continent of New America. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Clambering up the steep, rocky wall, against which the + Doctor's House leaned, he succeeded, though with considerable difficulty, + in reaching the top.-P.77] + </p> + <p> + <a name="VIII" id="VIII"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h4> + <h4> + AN EXCURSION TO THE NORTH OF VICTORIA BAY + </h4> + <p> + Next morning Clawbonny was out by dawn of day. Clambering up the steep, + rocky wall, against which the Doctor's House leaned, he succeeded, though + with considerable difficulty, in reaching the top, which he found + terminated abruptly in a sort of truncated cone. From this elevation there + was an extensive view over a vast tract of country, which was all + disordered and convulsed as if it had undergone some volcanic commotion. + Sea and land, as far as it was possible to distinguish one from the other, + were covered with a sheet of ice. + </p> + <p> + A new project struck the Doctor's mind, which was soon matured and ripe + for execution. He lost no time in going back to the snow house, and + consulting over it with his companions. + </p> + <p> + "I have got an idea," he said; "I think of constructing a lighthouse on + the top of that cone above our heads." + </p> + <p> + "A lighthouse!" they all exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, a lighthouse. It would be a double advantage. It would be a beacon + to guide us in distant excursions, and also serve to illumine our <i>plateau</i> + in the long dreary winter months." + </p> + <p> + "There is no doubt," replied Altamont, "of its utility; but how would you + contrive to make it?" + </p> + <p> + "With one of the lanterns out of the <i>Porpoise</i>." + </p> + <p> + "All right; but how will you feed your lamp? With seal oil?" + </p> + <p> + "No, seal oil would not give nearly sufficient light. It would scarcely be + visible through the fog." + </p> + <p> + "Are you going to try to make gas out of our coal then?" + </p> + <p> + "No, not that either, for gas would not be strong enough; and, worse + still, it would waste our combustibles." + </p> + <p> + "Well," replied Altamont; "I'm at a loss to see how you-" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I'm prepared for everything after the mercury bullet, and the ice + lens, and Fort Providence. I believe Mr. Clawbonny can do anything," + exclaimed Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "Come, Clawbonny, tell us what your light is to be, then," said Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "That's soon told," replied Clawbonny. "I mean to have an electric light." + </p> + <p> + "An electric light?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, why not? Haven't you a galvanic battery on board your ship?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "Well, there will be no difficulty then in producing an electric light, + and that will cost nothing, and be far brighter." + </p> + <p> + "First-rate?" said Johnson; "let us set to work at once." + </p> + <p> + "By all means. There is plenty of material. In an hour we can raise a + pillar of ice ten feet high, and that is quite enough. + </p> + <p> + Away went the Doctor, followed by his companions, and the column was soon + erected and crowned with a ship lantern. The conducting wires were + properly adjusted within it, and the pile with which they communicated + fixed up in the sitting-room, where the warmth of the stove would protect + it from the action of the frost. + </p> + <p> + As soon as it grew dark the experiment was made, and proved a complete + success. An intense brilliant light streamed from the lantern and + illumined the entire plateau and the plains beneath. + </p> + <p> + Johnson could not help clapping his hands, half beside himself with + delight. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I declare, Mr. Clawbonny," he exclaimed, "you're our sun now." + </p> + <p> + "One must be a little of everything, you know," was Clawbonny's modest + reply. + </p> + <p> + It was too cold. however, even to stand admiring more than a minute, and + the whole party were glad enough to get indoors again, and tuck themselves + up in their warm blankets. + </p> + <p> + A regular course of life commenced now, though uncertain weather and + frequent changes of temperature made it sometimes impracticable to venture + outside the hut at all, and it was not till the Saturday after the + installation, that a day came that was favourable enough for a hunting + excursion; when Bell, and Altamont, and the Doctor determined to take + advantage of it, and try to replenish their stock of provisions. + </p> + <p> + They started very early in the morning, each armed with a double- + barrelled gun and plenty of powder and shot, a hatchet, and a snow knife. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + The weather was cloudy, but Clawbonny put the galvanic battery in action + before he left, and the bright rays of the electric light did duty for the + glorious orb of day, and in truth was no bad substitute, for the light was + equal to three thousand candles, or three hundred gas burners. + </p> + <p> + It was intensely cold, but dry, and there was little or no wind. The + hunters set off in the direction of Cape Washington, and the hard snow so + favoured their march, that in three hours they had gone fifteen miles, Duk + jumping and barking beside them all the way. They kept as close to the + coast as possible, but found no trace of human habitation and indeed + scarcely a sign of animal life. A few snow birds, however, darting to and + fro announced the approach of spring and the return of the animal + creation. The sea was still entirely frozen over, but it was evident from + the open breathing holes in the ice, that the seals had been quite + recently on the surface. In one part the holes were so numerous, that the + Doctor said to his companions that he had no doubt that when summer came, + they would be seen there in hundreds, and would be easily captured, for on + unfrequented shores they were not so difficult of approach. But once + frighten them and they all vanish as if by enchantment, and never return + to the spot again. "Inexperienced hunters," he said, "have often lost a + whole shoal by attacking them, <i>en masse</i>, with noisy shouts instead + of singly and silently." + </p> + <p> + "Is it for the oil or skin that they are mostly hunted?" + </p> + <p> + "Europeans hunt them for the skin, but the Esquimaux eat them. They live + on seals, and nothing is so delicious to them as a piece of the flesh, + dipped in the blood and oil. After all, cooking has a good deal to do with + it, and I'll bet you something I could dress you cutlets you would not + turn up your nose at, unless for their black appearance." + </p> + <p> + "We'll set you to work on it," said Bell, "and I'll eat as much as you + like to please you." + </p> + <p> + "My good Bell, you mean to say to please yourself, but your voracity would + never equal the Green-landers', for they devour from ten to fifteen pounds + of meat a day." + </p> + <p> + "Fifteen pounds!" said Bell. "What stomachs!" + </p> + <p> + "Arctic stomachs," replied the Doctor, "are prodigious; they can expand at + will, and, I may add, contract at will; so that they can endure starvation + quite as well as abundance. When an Esquimaux sits down to dinner he is + quite thin, and by the time he has finished, he is so corpulent you would + hardly recognize him. But then we must remember that one meal sometimes + has to last a whole day." + </p> + <p> + "This voracity must be peculiar to the inhabitants of cold countries," + said Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "I think it is," replied the Doctor. "In the Arctic regions people must + eat enormously: it is not only one of the conditions of strength, but of + existence. The Hudson's Bay Company always reckoned on this account 8 lbs. + of meat to each man a day, or 12 lbs. of fish, or 2 lbs. of pemmican." + </p> + <p> + "Invigorating regimen, certainly!" said Bell. + </p> + <p> + "Not so much as you imagine, my friend. An Indian who guzzles like that + can't do a whit better day's work than an Englishman, who has his pound of + beef and pint of beer." + </p> + <p> + "Things are best as they are, then, Mr. Clawbonny." + </p> + <p> + "No doubt of it; and yet an Esquimaux meal may well astonish us. In Sir + John Ross's narrative, he states his surprise at the appetites of his + guides. He tells us that two of them-just two mind-devoured a quarter of a + buffalo in one morning. They cut the meat in long narrow strips, and the + mode of eating was either for the one to bite off as much as his mouth + could hold, and then pass it on to the other, or to leave the long ribbons + of meat dangling from the mouth and devour them gradually like + boa-constrictors, lying at full length on the ground." + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + "Faugh!" exclaimed Bell, "what disgusting brutes!" + </p> + <p> + "Every man has his own fashion of dining," remarked the philosophical + American. + </p> + <p> + "Happily," said the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + "Well, if eating is such an imperative necessity in these latitudes, it + quite accounts for all the journals of Arctic travellers being so full of + eating and drinking." + </p> + <p> + "You are right," returned the Doctor. "I have been struck by the same + fact; but I think it arises not only from the necessity of full diet, but + from the extreme difficulty sometimes in procuring it. The thought of food + is always uppermost in the mind, and naturally finds mention in the + narrative." + </p> + <p> + "And yet," said Altamont, "if my memory serves me right, in the coldest + parts of Norway the peasants do not seem to need such substantial fare. + Milk diet is their staple food, with eggs, and bread made of the bark of + the birch-tree; a little salmon occasionally, but never meat; and still + they are fine hardy fellows." + </p> + <p> + "It is an affair of organization out of my power to explain," replied + Clawbonny; "but I have no doubt that if these same Norwegians were + transplanted to Greenland, they would learn to eat like the Esquimaux by + the second or third generation. Even if we ourselves were to remain in + this blessed country long, we should be as bad as the Esquimaux, even if + we escaped becoming regular gluttons." + </p> + <p> + "I declare, Mr. Clawbonny, you make me feel hungry with talking so much + about eating," exclaimed Bell. + </p> + <p> + "Not I!" said Altamont. "It rather sickens me, and makes me loathe the + sight of a seal. But, stop, I do believe we are going to have the chance + of a dinner off one, for I am much mistaken if that's not something alive + lying on those lumps of ice yonder!" + </p> + <p> + "It is a walrus!" exclaimed the Doctor. "Be quiet, and let us get up to + him." + </p> + <p> + Clawbonny was right, it was a walrus of huge dimensions, disporting + himself not more than two hundred yards away. The hunters separated, going + in different directions, so as to surround the animal and cut off all + retreat. They crept along cautiously behind the hummocks, and managed to + get within a few paces of him unperceived, when they fired simultaneously. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + The walrus rolled over, but speedily got up again, and tried to make his + escape, but Altamont fell upon him with his hatchet, and cut off his + dorsal fins. He made a desperate resistance, but was overpowered by his + enemies, and soon lay dead, reddening the ice-field with his blood. + </p> + <p> + It was a fine animal, measuring more than fifteen feet in length, and + would have been worth a good deal for the oil; but the hunters contented + themselves with cutting off the most savoury parts, and left the rest to + the ravens, which had just begun to make their appearance. + </p> + <p> + Night was drawing on, and it was time to think of returning to Fort + Providence. The moon had not yet risen, but the sky was serene and + cloudless, and already glittering with stars-magnificent stars. + </p> + <p> + "Come," said the Doctor, "let us be off, for it is getting late. Our + hunting has not been very successful; but still, if a man has found + something for his supper, he need not grumble. Let us go the shortest + road, however, and get quickly home without losing our way. The stars will + guide us." + </p> + <p> + They resolved to try a more direct route back by going further inland, and + avoiding the windings of the coast; but, after some hours' walking, they + found themselves no nearer Doctor's House, and it was evident that they + must have lost their way. The question was raised whether to construct a + hut and rest till morning, or proceed; but Clawbonny insisted on going on, + as Hatteras and Johnson would be so uneasy. + </p> + <p> + "Duk will guide us," he said; "he won't go wrong. His instinct can + dispense with star and compass. Just let us keep close behind him." + </p> + <p> + They did well to trust to Duk, for very speedily a faint light appeared in + the horizon almost like a star glimmering through the mist, which hung low + above the ground. + </p> + <p> + "There's our lighthouse!" exclaimed the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + "Do you think it is, Mr. Clawbonny?" said Bell. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Soon they were walking in a bright luminous track, leaving + their long shadows behind them on the spotless snow. -P.87] + </p> + <p> + "I'm certain of it! Come on faster." The light became stronger the nearer + they approached, and soon they were walking in a bright luminous track, + leaving their long shadows behind them on the spotless snow. + </p> + <p> + Quickening their steps, they hastened forward, and in another half hour + they were climbing the ascent to Fort Providence. + </p> + <p> + <a name="IX" id="IX"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER IX. + </h4> + <h4> + COLD AND HEAT. + </h4> + <p> + Hatteras and Johnson had been getting somewhat uneasy at the prolonged + absence of their companions, and were delighted to see them back safe and + sound. The hunters were no less glad to find themselves once more in a + warm shelter, for the temperature had fallen considerably as night drew + on, and the thermometer outside was 73° below zero. + </p> + <p> + The poor hunters were half frozen, and so worn out that they could hardly + drag their limbs along; but the stoves were roaring and crackling + cheerily, and the big kitchen fire waiting to cook such game as might be + brought in. Clawbonny donned his official apron again, and soon had his + seal cutlets dressed and smoking on the table. By nine o'clock the whole + party were enjoying a good supper, and Bell couldn't help exclaiming- + </p> + <p> + "Well, even at the risk of being taken for an Esquimaux, I must confess + eating is the most important business if one has to winter in these + regions. A good meal isn't to be sneezed at." + </p> + <p> + They all had their mouths crammed too full to speak, but the Doctor + signified his agreement with Bell's views by an approving nod. + </p> + <p> + The cutlets were pronounced first-rate, and it seemed as if they were, for + they were all eaten, to the very last morsel. + </p> + <p> + For dessert they had coffee, which the Doctor brewed himself in a French + coffee-pot over spirits-of-wine. He never allowed anybody but himself to + concoct this precious beverage; for he made a point of serving it boiling + hot, always declaring it was not fit to drink unless it burnt his tongue. + This evening he took it so scalding that Altamont exclaimed- + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + "You'll skin your throat!" + </p> + <p> + "Not a bit of it," was the Doctor's reply. + </p> + <p> + "Then your palate must be copper-sheathed," said Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "Not at all, friends. I advise you to copy my example. Many persons, and I + am one, can drink coffee at a temperature of 131°." + </p> + <p> + "131°?" said Altamont; "why, that is hotter than the hand could bear!" + </p> + <p> + "Of course it is, Altamont, for the hand could not bear more than 122°, + but the palate and tongue are less sensitive." + </p> + <p> + "You surprise me." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I will convince you it is fact," returned Clawbonny, and taking up + a thermometer, he plunged it into the steaming coffee. He waited till the + mercury rose as high as 131° and then withdrew it, and swallowed the + liquid with evident gusto. + </p> + <p> + Bell tried to follow his example, but burnt his mouth severely. + </p> + <p> + "You are not used to it," said the Doctor, coolly. + </p> + <p> + "Can you tell us, Clawbonny," asked Altamont, "what is the highest + temperature that the human body can bear." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, several curious experiments have been made in that respect. I + remember reading of some servant girls, in the town of Rochefoucauld, in + France, who could stay ten minutes in a baker's large oven when the + temperature was 300°, while potatoes and meat were cooking all round + them." + </p> + <p> + "What girls!" exclaimed Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "Well, there is another case, where eight of our own countrymen- Fordyce, + Banks, Solander, Blagdin, Home, Nooth, Lord Seaforth, and Captain + Phillips-went into one as hot as 200°, where eggs and beef were + frizzling." + </p> + <p> + "And they were Englishmen!" said Bell, with a touch of national pride. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, the Americans could have done better than that," said Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "They would have roasted," returned the Doctor, laughing. " At all events + they have never tried it, so I shall stand up for my countrymen. There is + one more instance I recollect, and really it is so incredible, that it + would be impossible to believe it, if it were not attested by + unimpeachable evidence. The Duke of Ragusa and + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + Dr. Jung, a Frenchman and an Austrian, saw a Turk plunge into a bath at + 170°." + </p> + <p> + "But that is not so astonishing as those servant girls, or our own + countrymen," said Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "I beg your pardon," replied Clawbonny; "there is a great difference + between plunging into hot air and hot water. Hot air produces + perspiration, which protects the skin, but boiling water scalds. The <i>maximum</i> + heat of baths is 107°, so that this Turk must have been an extraordinary + fellow to endure such temperature." + </p> + <p> + "What is the mean temperature, Mr. Clawbonny, of animated beings?" asked + Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "That varies with the species," replied the Doctor. "Birds have the + highest, especially the duck and the hen. The mammalia come next, and + human beings. The temperature of Englishmen averages 101°." + </p> + <p> + "I am sure Mr. Altamont is going to claim a higher rate for his + countrymen," said Johnson, smiling. + </p> + <p> + "Well, sure enough, we've some precious hot ones among us, but as I never + have put a thermometer down their throats to ascertain, I can't give you + statistics." + </p> + <p> + "There is no sensible difference," said the Doctor, "between men of + different races when they are placed under the same conditions, whatever + their food may be. I may almost say their temperature would be the same at + the Equator as the Pole." + </p> + <p> + "Then the heat of our bodies is the same here as in England," replied + Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "Just about it. The other species of mammalia are generally hotter than + human beings. The horse, the hare, the elephant, the porpoise, and the + tiger are nearly the same; but the cat, the squirrel, the rat, the + panther, the sheep, the ox, the dog, the monkey, and the goat, are as high + as 103°; and the pig is 104°." + </p> + <p> + "Rather humiliating to us," put in Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "Then come the amphibia and the fish," resumed the Doctor, " whose + temperature varies with that of the water. The serpent has a temperature + of 86°, the frog 70°, and the shark several degrees less. Insects appear + to have the temperature of air and water." + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + "All this is very well," interrupted Hatteras, who had hitherto taken no + part in the conversation, "and we are obliged to the Doctor for his + scientific information; but we are really talking as if we were going to + brave the heat of the torrid zone. I think it would be far more seasonable + to speak of cold, if the Doctor could tell us what is the lowest + temperature on record." + </p> + <p> + "I can enlighten you on that too," replied the Doctor. "There are a great + number of memorable winters, which appear to have come at intervals of + about forty-one years. In 1364, the Rhone was frozen over as far as Arles; + in 1408, the Danube was frozen throughout its entire extent, and the + wolves crossed the Cattigut on firm ground; in 1509, the Adriatic and the + Mediterranean were frozen at Venice and Marseilles, and the Baltic on the + 10th of April; in 1608, all the cattle died in England from the cold; in + 1789, the Thames was frozen as far as Gravesend; and the frightful winter + of 1813 will long be remembered in France. The earliest and longest ever + known in the present century was in 1829. So much for Europe." + </p> + <p> + "But here, within the Polar circle, what is the lowest degree?" asked + Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "My word!" said the Doctor. "I think we have experienced the lowest + ourselves, for one day the thermometer was 72° below zero, and, if my + memory serves me right, the lowest temperature mentioned hitherto by + Arctic voyagers has been 61° at Melville Island, 65° at Port Felix, and + 70° at Fort Reliance." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said Hatteras, "it was the unusual severity of the winter that + barred our progress, for it came on just at the worst time possible." + </p> + <p> + "You were stopped, you say?" asked Altamont, looking fixedly at the + captain. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, in our voyage west," the Doctor hastened to reply. + </p> + <p> + "Then the maximum and minimum temperatures," said Altamont, resuming the + conversation, "are about 200° apart. So you see, my friends, we may make + ourselves easy." + </p> + <p> + "But if the sun were suddenly extinguished," suggested Johnson, "would not + the earth's temperature be far lower?" + </p> + <p> + "There is no fear of such a catastrophe; but, even should it happen, the + temperature would be scarcely any different." + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + "That's curious." + </p> + <p> + "It is; but Fourrier, a learned Frenchman, has proved the fact + incontestably. If it were not the case, the difference between day and + night would be far greater, as also the degree of cold at the Poles. But + now I think, friends, we should be the better of a few hours' sleep. Who + has charge of the stove?" + </p> + <p> + "It is my turn to-night," said Bell. + </p> + <p> + "Well, pray keep up a good fire, for it is a perishing night." + </p> + <p> + "Trust me for that," said Bell. "But do look out, the sky is all in a + blaze." + </p> + <p> + "Ay! it is a magnificent aurora," replied the Doctor, going up to the + window. "How beautiful! I never tire gazing at it." + </p> + <p> + No more he ever did, though his companions had become so used to such + displays that they hardly noticed them now. He soon followed the example + of the others, however, and lay down on his bed beside the fire, leaving + Bell to mount guard. + </p> + <p> + <a name="X" id="X"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER X. + </h4> + <h4> + WINTER PLEASURES + </h4> + <p> + It is a dreary affair to live at the Pole, for there is no going out for + many long months, and nothing to break the weary monotony. + </p> + <p> + The day after the hunting excursion was dark and snowy, and Clawbonny + could find no occupation except polishing up the ice walls of the hut as + they became damp with the heat inside, and emptying out the snow which + drifted into the long passage leading to the inner door. The "Snow- House" + stood out well, defying storm and tempest, and the snow only seemed to + increase the thickness of the walls. + </p> + <p> + The storehouses, too, did not give way the least; but though they were + only a few yards off, it was found necessary to lay in enough provisions + for the day, as very often the weather made it almost impossible to + venture that short distance. + </p> + <p> + The unloading of the <i>Porpoise</i> turned out to have been a wise + precaution, for she was slowly but surely being crashed to pieces by the + silent, irresistible pressure around her. Still the Doctor was always + hoping enough planks might be sufficiently sound to construct a small + vessel to convey them back to England, but the right time to build had not + come. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + The five men were consequently compelled to spend the greater part of the + day in complete idleness. Hatteras lolled on his bed absorbed in thought. + Altamont smoked or dozed, and the Doctor took care not to disturb either + of them, for he was in perpetual fear of a quarrel between them. + </p> + <p> + At meal times he always led the conversation away from irritating topics + and sought, as far as possible, to instruct and interest all parties. + Whenever he was not engaged with the preparation of his notes, he gave + them dissertations on history, geography, or meteorology, handling his + subject in an easy, though philosophical manner, drawing lessons from the + most trivial incidents. His inexhaustible memory was never at a loss for + fact or illustration when his good humour and geniality made him the life + and soul of the little company. He was implicitly trusted by all, even by + Hatteras, who cherished a deep affection for him. + </p> + <p> + Yet no man felt the compulsory confinement more painfully than Clawbonny. + He longed ardently for the breaking up of the frost to resume his + excursions though he dreaded the rivalry that might ensue between the two + captains. + </p> + <p> + Yet things must come to a crisis soon or late, and meantime he resolved to + use his best endeavors to bring both parties to a better mind, but to + reconcile an American and an Englishman was no easy task. He and Johnson + had many a talk on the subject, for the old sailor's views quite coincided + with his own as to the difficult complications which awaited them in the + future. + </p> + <p> + However, the bad weather continued, and leaving Fort Providence, even for + an hour, was out of the question. Day and night they were pent up in these + glittering ice-walls, and time hung heavily on their hands, at least on + all but the Doctor's, and he always managed to find some occupation for + himself. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + "I declare," said Altamont, one evening; "life like this is not worth + having. We might as well be some of those reptiles that sleep all the + winter. But I suppose there is no help for it." + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid not," said the Doctor; "unfortunately we are too few in + number to get up any amusement." + </p> + <p> + "Then you think if there were more of us, we should find more to do?" + </p> + <p> + "Of course: when whole ships' crews have wintered here, they have managed + to while away the time famously." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I must say I should like to know how. It would need a vast amount + of ingenuity to extract anything amusing out of our circumstances. I + suppose they did not play at charades?" + </p> + <p> + "No, but they introduced the press and the theatre." + </p> + <p> + "What? They had a newspaper?" exclaimed the American. + </p> + <p> + "They acted a comedy?" said Bell. + </p> + <p> + "That they did," said the Doctor. "When Parry wintered at Melville Island, + he started both amusements among his men, and they met with great + success." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I must confess, I should like to have been there," returned + Johnson; "for it must have been rather curious work." + </p> + <p> + "Curious and amusing too, my good Johnson. Lieutenant Beechey was the + theatre manager, and Captain Sabina chief editor of the newspaper called + 'The Winter Chronicle, or the Gazette of Northern Georgia.' " + </p> + <p> + "Good titles," said Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "The newspaper appeared daily from the 1st of November, 1819, to the 20th + of March, 1820. It reported the different excursions, and hunting parties, + and accidents, and adventures, and published amusing stories. No doubt the + articles were not up to the 'Spectator' or the 'Daily Telegraph,' but the + readers were neither critical nor <i>blasé</i>, and found great pleasure + in their perusal." + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + "My word!" said Altamont. "I should like to read some of the articles." + </p> + <p> + "Would you? Well, you shall judge for yourself." + </p> + <p> + "What! can you repeat them from memory?" + </p> + <p> + "No; but you had Parry's Voyages on board the <i>Porpoise</i>, and I can + read you his own narrative if you like." + </p> + <p> + This proposition was so eagerly welcomed that the Doctor fetched the book + forthwith, and soon found the passage in question. + </p> + <p> + "Here is a letter," he said, "addressed to the editor." + </p> + <p> + " 'Your proposition to establish a journal has been received by us with + the greatest satisfaction. I am convinced that, under your direction, it + will be a great source of amusement, and go a long way to lighten our + hundred days of darkness. + </p> + <p> + " 'The interest I take in the matter myself has led me to study the effect + of your announcement on my comrades, and I can testify, to use reporter's + language, that the thing has produced an immense sensation. + </p> + <p> + " 'The day after your prospectus appeared, there was an unusual and + unprecedented demand for ink among us, and our green tablecloth was + deluged with snippings and parings of quill-pens, to the injury of one of + our servants, who got a piece driven right under his nail. I know for a + fact that Sergeant Martin had no less than nine pen-knives to sharpen. + </p> + <p> + " 'It was quite a novel sight to see all the writing-desks brought out, + which had not made their appearance for a couple of months, and judging by + the reams of paper visible, more than one visit must have been made to the + depths of the hold. + </p> + <p> + " 'I must not forget to tell you, that I believe attempts will be made to + slip into your box sundry articles which are not altogether original, as + they have been published already. I can declare that, no later than last + night, I saw an author bending over his desk, holding a volume of the + "Spectator" open with one hand, and thawing the frozen ink in his pen at + the lamp with the other. I need not warn you to be on your guard against + such tricks, for it would never do for us to have articles in our "Winter + Chronicle" which our great-grandfathers read over their breakfast-tables a + century ago.' " + </p> + <p> + "Well, well," said Altamont, "there is a good deal of clever humour in + that writer. He must have been a sharp fellow." + </p> + <p> + "You're right. Here is an amusing catalogue of Arctic tribulations:- + </p> + <p> + " 'To go out in the morning for a walk, and the moment you put your foot + outside the ship, find yourself immersed in the cook's water-hole. + </p> + <p> + " 'To go out hunting, and fall in with a splendid reindeer, take aim, and + find your gun has gone off with a flash in the pan, owing to damp powder. + </p> + <p> + " 'To set out on a march with a good supply of soft new bread in your + pocket, and discover, when you want to eat, that it has frozen so hard + that you would break your teeth if you attempted to bite it through. + </p> + <p> + " 'To rush from the table when it is reported that a wolf is in sight, and + on coming back to find the cat has eaten your dinner. + </p> + <p> + " 'To be returning quietly home from a walk, absorbed in profitable + meditation, and suddenly find yourself in the embrace of a bear.' + </p> + <p> + "We might supplement this list ourselves," said the Doctor, "to almost any + amount, for there is a sort of pleasure in enumerating troubles when one + has got the better of them." + </p> + <p> + "I declare," said Altamont, "this 'Winter Journal' is an amusing affair. I + wish we could subscribe to it." + </p> + <p> + "Suppose we start one," said Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "For us five!" exclaimed Clawbonny; "we might do for editors, but there + would not be readers enough." + </p> + <p> + "No, nor spectators enough, if we tried to get up a comedy," added + Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "Tell us some more about Captain Parry's theatre," said Johnson; "did they + play new pieces?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly. At first two volumes on board the 'Hecla' were gone through, + but as there was a performance once a fortnight, this <i>repertoire</i> + was soon exhausted. Then they had to improvise fresh plays; Parry himself + composed one which had immense success. It was called 'The North-West + Passage, or the End of the Voyage.' " + </p> + <p> + "A famous title," said Altamont; "but I must confess, if I had chosen such + a subject, I should have been at a loss for the <i>dénouement</i>." + </p> + <p> + "You are right," said Bell; "who can say what the end will be?" + </p> + <p> + "What does that matter?" replied Mr. Clawbonny. "Why should we trouble + about the last act, while the first ones are going on well. Leave all that + to Providence, friends; let us each play our own <i>rôle</i> as perfectly + as we can, and since the <i>dénouement</i> belongs to the Great Author of + all things, we will trust his skill. He will manage our affairs for us, + never fear." + </p> + <p> + "Well, we'd better go and dream about it," said Johnson, "for it's getting + late, and it is time we went to bed," said Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "You're in a great hurry, old fellow," replied the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + "Why would you sit up, Mr. Clawbonny? I am so comfortable in my bed, and + then I always have such good dreams. I dream invariably of hot countries, + so that I might almost say, half my life is spent in the tropics, and half + at the North Pole." + </p> + <p> + "You're a happy man, Johnson," said Altamont, "to be blessed with such a + fortunate organization." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed I am," replied Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "Well, come, after that it would be positive cruelty to keep our good + friend pining here," said the Doctor, "his tropical sun awaits him, so + let's all go to bed." + </p> + <p> + <a name="XI" id="XI"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XI + </h4> + <h4> + TRACES OF BEARS + </h4> + <p> + On the 26th of April during the night there was a sudden change in the + weather. The thermometer fell several degrees, and the inmates of Doctor's + House could hardly keep themselves warm even in their beds. Altamont had + charge of the stove, and he found it needed careful replenishing to + preserve the temperature at 50° above zero. + </p> + <p> + This increase of cold betokened the cessation of the stormy weather, and + the Doctor hailed it gladly as the harbinger of his favourite hunting and + exploring expeditions. + </p> + <p> + He rose early next morning, and climbed up to the top of the cone. The + wind had shifted north, the air was clear, and the snow firm and smooth to + the tread. + </p> + <p> + Before long the five companions had left Doctor's House, and were busily + engaged in clearing the heavy masses of snow off the roof and sides, for + the house was no longer distinguishable from the plateau, as the snow had + drifted to a depth of full fifteen feet. It took two hours to remove the + frozen snow, and restore the architectural form of the dwelling. At length + the granite foundations appeared, and the storehouses and powder magazines + were once more accessible. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + But as, in so uncertain a climate, a storm might cut off their supplies + any day, they wisely resolved to provide for any such emergency by + carrying over a good stock of provisions to the kitchen; and then + Clawbonny, Altamont, and Bell started off with their guns in search of + game, for the want of fresh food began to be urgently felt. + </p> + <p> + The three companions went across the east side of the cone, right down + into the centre of the far-stretching, snow-covered plain beneath, but + they did not need to go far, for numerous traces of animals appeared on + all sides within a circle of two miles round Fort Providence. + </p> + <p> + After gazing attentively at these traces for some minutes, the hunters + looked at each other silently, and then the Doctor exclaimed:- + </p> + <p> + "Well, these are plain enough, I think!" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, only too plain," added Bell, "bears have been here!" + </p> + <p> + "First rate game!" said Altamont. "There's only one fault about it." + </p> + <p> + "And what is that?" asked Bell. + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean?" + </p> + <p> + "I mean this-there are distinct traces of five bears, and five bears are + rather too much for five men." + </p> + <p> + "Are you sure there are five?" said Clawbonny. + </p> + <p> + "Look and see for yourself. Here is one footprint, and there is another + quite different. These claws are far wider apart than those; and see here, + again, that paw belongs to a much smaller bear. I tell you, if you look + carefully, you will see the marks of all five different bears distinctly." + </p> + <p> + "You're right," said Bell, after a close inspection. + </p> + <p> + "If that's the case, then," said the Doctor, "we must take care what we're + about, and not be foolhardy, for these animals are starving after the + severe winter, and they might be extremely dangerous to encounter and, + since we are sure of their number--" + </p> + <p> + "And of their intentions, too," put in Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "You think they have discovered our presence here?" + </p> + <p> + "No doubt of it, unless we have got into a bear-pass, but then, why should + these footprints be in a circle round our fort? Look, these animals have + come from the south-east, and stopped at this place, and commenced to + reconnoitre the coast." + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + "You're right," said the Doctor, "and, what's more, it is certain that + they have been here last night." + </p> + <p> + "And other nights before that," replied Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "I don't think so," rejoined Clawbonny. "It is more likely that they + waited till the cessation of the tempest, and were on their way down to + the bay, intending to catch seals, when they scented us." + </p> + <p> + "Well, we can easily find out if they come tonight," said Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "How?" + </p> + <p> + "By effacing all the marks in a given place, and if to-morrow, we find + fresh ones, it will be evident that Fort Providence is the goal for which + the bears are bound." + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + "Very good, at any rate we shall know, then, what we have to expect." + </p> + <p> + The three hunters set to work, and scraped the snow over till all the + footprints were obliterated for a considerable distance. + </p> + <p> + "It is singular, though," said Bell, "that bears could scent us all that + way off; we have not been burning anything fat which might have attracted + them." + </p> + <p> + "Oh!" replied the Doctor, "bears are endowed with a wonderfully keen sense + of smell, and a piercing sight; and, more than that, they are extremely + intelligent, almost more so than any other animal. They have smelt + something unusual; and, besides, who can tell whether they have not even + found their way as far as our plateau during the tempest?" + </p> + <p> + "But then, why did they stop here last night?" asked Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "Well, that's a question I can't answer, but there is no doubt they will + continue narrowing their circles, till they reach Fort Providence." + </p> + <p> + "We shall soon see," said Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "And, meantime, we had best go on," added the Doctor, "and keep a sharp + look out." + </p> + <p> + But not a sign of anything living was visible, and after a time they + returned to the snow-house. + </p> + <p> + Hatteras and Johnson were informed how matters stood, and it was resolved + to maintain a vigilant watch. Night came, but nothing disturbed its calm + splendour-nothing was heard to indicate approaching danger. + </p> + <p> + Next morning at early dawn, Hatteras and his companions, well armed, went + out to reconnoitre the state of the snow. They found the same identical + footmarks, but somewhat nearer. Evidently the enemy was bent on the siege + of Fort Providence. + </p> + <p> + "But where can the bears be?" said Bell. + </p> + <p> + "Behind the icebergs watching us," replied the Doctor. "Don't let us + expose ourselves imprudently." + </p> + <p> + "What about going hunting, then?" asked Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "We must put it off for a day or two, I think, and rub out the marks + again, and see if they are renewed to-morrow." + </p> + <p> + The Doctor's advice was followed, and they entrenched themselves for the + present in the fort. The lighthouse was taken down, as it was not of + actual use meantime, and might help to attract the bears. Each took it in + turn to keep watch on the upper plateau. + </p> + <p> + The day passed without a sign of the enemy's existence, and next morning, + when they hurried eagerly out to examine the snow, judge their + astonishment to find it wholly untouched! + </p> + <p> + "Capital!" exclaimed Altamont. "The bears are put off the scent; they have + no perseverance, and have grown tired waiting for us. They are off, and a + good riddance. Now let us start for a day's hunting." + </p> + <p> + "Softly, softly," said the Doctor; "I'm not so sure they have gone. I + think we had better wait one day more. It is evident the bears have not + been here last night, at least on this side; but still-" + </p> + <p> + "Well, let us go right round the plateau, and see how things stand," said + the impatient Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "All right," said Clawbonny. "Come along." + </p> + <p> + Away they went, but it was impossible to scrutinize carefully a track of + two miles, and no trace of the enemy was discoverable. + </p> + <p> + "Now, then, can't we go hunting?" said Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "Wait till to-morrow," urged the Doctor again. + </p> + <p> + His friend was very unwilling to delay, but yielded the point at last, and + returned to the fort. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + As on the preceding night, each man took his hour's watch on the upper + plateau. When it came to Altamont's turn, and he had gone out to relieve + Bell, Hatteras called his old companions round him. The Doctor left his + desk and Johnson his cooking, and hastened to their captain's side, + supposing he wanted to talk over their perilous situation; but Hatteras + never gave it a thought. + </p> + <p> + "My friends," he said, "let us take advantage of the American's absence to + speak of business. There are things which cannot concern him, and with + which I do not choose him to meddle." + </p> + <p> + Johnson and Clawbonny looked at each other, wondering what the captain was + driving at. + </p> + <p> + "I wish," he continued, "to talk with you about our plans for the future." + </p> + <p> + "All right! talk away while we are alone," said the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + "In a month, or six weeks at the outside, the time for making distant + excursions will come again. Have you thought of what we had better + undertake in summer?" + </p> + <p> + "Have you, captain?" asked Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "Have I? I may say that not an hour of my life passes without revolving in + my mind my one cherished purpose. I suppose not a man among you intends to + retrace his steps?" + </p> + <p> + No one replied, and Hatteras went on to say- + </p> + <p> + "For my own part, even if I must go alone, I will push on to the North + Pole. Never were men so near it before, for we are not more than 360 miles + distant at most, and I will not lose such an opportunity without making + every attempt to reach it, even though it be an impossibility. What are + your views, Doctor?" + </p> + <p> + "Your own, Hatteras." + </p> + <p> + "And yours, Johnson?" + </p> + <p> + "Like the Doctor's." + </p> + <p> + "And yours, Bell?" + </p> + <p> + "Captain," replied the carpenter, "it is true we have neither wives nor + children waiting us in England, but, after all, it is one's country- one's + native land! Have you no thoughts of returning home?" + </p> + <p> + "We can return after we have discovered the Pole quite as well as before, + and even better. Our difficulties will not increase, for as we near the + Pole we get away from the point of greatest cold. We have fuel and + provisions enough. There is nothing to stop us, and we should be culpable, + in my opinion, if we allowed ourselves to abandon the project." + </p> + <p> + "Very well, captain, I'll go along with you." + </p> + <p> + "That's right; I never doubted you," said Hatteras. "We shall succeed, and + England will have all the glory." + </p> + <p> + "But there is an American among us!" said Johnson. + </p> + <p> + Hatteras could not repress an impatient exclamation. + </p> + <p> + "I know it!" he said, in a stern voice. + </p> + <p> + "We cannot leave him behind," added the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + "No, we can't," repeated Hatteras, almost mechanically. + </p> + <p> + "And he will be sure to go too." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, he will go too; but who will command?" + </p> + <p> + "You, captain." + </p> + <p> + "And if you all obey my orders, will the Yankee refuse?" + </p> + <p> + "I shouldn't think so; but suppose he should, what can be done?" + </p> + <p> + "He and I must fight it out, then." + </p> + <p> + The three Englishmen looked at Hatteras, but said nothing. Then the Doctor + asked how they were to go. + </p> + <p> + "By the coast, as far as possible," was the reply. + </p> + <p> + "But what if we find open water, as is likely enough?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, we'll go across it." + </p> + <p> + "But we have no boat." + </p> + <p> + Hatteras did not answer, and looked embarrassed. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps," suggested Bell, "we might make a ship out of some of the planks + of the <i>Porpoise</i>." + </p> + <p> + "Never!" exclaimed Hatteras, vehemently. + </p> + <p> + "Never!" said Johnson. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor shook his head. He understood the feeling of the captain. + </p> + <p> + "Never!" reiterated Hatteras. "A boat made out of an American ship would + be an American!" + </p> + <p> + "But, captain--" began Johnson. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor made a sign to the old boatswain not to press the subject + further, and resolved in his own mind to reserve the question for + discussion at a more opportune moment. He managed to turn the conversation + to other matters, till it abruptly terminated by the entrance of Altamont. + </p> + <p> + This ended the day, and the night passed quietly without the least + disturbance. The bears had evidently disappeared. + </p> + <p> + <a name="XII" id="XII"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XII + </h4> + <h4> + IMPRISONED IN DOCTOR'S HOUSE + </h4> + <p> + The first business next day was to arrange for a hunt. It was settled that + Altamont, Bell, and Hatteras should form the party, while Clawbonny should + go and explore as far as Isle Johnson, and make some hydrographic notes + and Johnson should remain behind to keep house. + </p> + <p> + The three hunters soon completed their preparations. They armed themselves + each with a double barrelled revolver and a rifle, and took plenty of + powder and shot. Each man also carried in his belt his indispensable snow + knife and hatchet, and a small supply of pemmican in case night should + surprise them before their return. + </p> + <p> + Thus equipped, they could go far, and might count on a good supply of + game. + </p> + <p> + At eight o'clock they started, accompanied by Duk, who frisked and + gambolled with delight. They went up the hill to the east, across the + cone, and down into the plain below. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor next took his departure, after agreeing with Johnson on a + signal of alarm in case of danger. + </p> + <p> + The old boatswain was left alone, but he had plenty to do. He began by + unfastening the Greenland dogs, and letting them out for a run after their + long, wearisome confinement. Then he attended to divers housekeeping + matters. He had to replenish the stock of combustibles and provisions, to + arrange the store-houses, to mend several broken utensils, to repair the + rents in coverlets, and get new shoes ready for summer excursions. There + was no lack of work, and the old sailor's nimble clever fingers could do + anything. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + While his hands were busy, his mind was occupied with the conversation of + the preceding evening. He thought with regret over the captain's + obstinacy, and yet he felt that there was something grand and even heroic + in his determination that neither an American nor an American ship should + first touch the Pole. + </p> + <p> + The hunters had been gone about an hour when Johnson suddenly heard the + report of a gun. + </p> + <p> + "Capital!" he exclaimed. "They have found something, and pretty quickly + too, for me to hear their guns so distinctly. The atmosphere must be very + clear." + </p> + <p> + A second and a third shot followed. + </p> + <p> + "Bravo!" again exclaimed the boatswain; "they must have fallen in luck's + way!" + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Hatteras could only manage to keep off his pursuers by + flinging down one article after another-P.120] + </p> + <p> + But when three more shots came in rapid succession, the old man turned + pale, and a horrible thought crossed his mind, which made him rush out and + climb hastily to the top of the cone. He shuddered at the sight which met + his eyes. The three hunters, followed by Duk, were tearing home at full + speed, followed by the five huge bears! Their six balls had evidently + taken no effect, and the terrible monsters were close on their heels. + Hatteras, who brought up the rear, could only manage to keep off his + pursuers by flinging down one article after another-first his cap, then + his hatchet, and, finally, his gun. He knew that the inquisitive bears + would stop and examine every object, sniffing all round it, and this gave + him a little time, otherwise he could not have escaped, for these animals + outstrip the fleetest horse, and one monster was so near that Hatteras had + to brandish his knife vigorously, to ward off a tremendous blow of his + paw. + </p> + <p> + At last, though panting and out of breath, the three men reached Johnson + safely, and slid down the rock with him into the snow-house. The bears + stopped short on the upper plateau, and Hatteras and his companions lost + no time in barring and barricading them out. + </p> + <p> + "Here we are at last!" exclaimed Hatteras; "we can defend ourselves better + now. It is five against five." + </p> + <p> + "Four!" said Johnson in a frightened voice. + </p> + <p> + "How?" + </p> + <p> + "The Doctor!" replied Johnson, pointing to the empty sitting-room. + </p> + <p> + "Well, he is in Isle Johnson." + </p> + <p> + "A bad job for him," said Bell. + </p> + <p> + "But we can't leave him to his fate, in this fashion," said Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "No, let's be off to find him at once," replied Hatteras. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + He opened the door, but soon shut it, narrowly escaping a bear's hug. + </p> + <p> + "They are there!" he exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + "All?" asked Bell. + </p> + <p> + "The whole pack." + </p> + <p> + Altamont rushed to the windows, and began to fill up the deep embrasure + with blocks of ice, which he broke off the walls of the house. + </p> + <p> + His companions followed his example silently. Not a sound was heard but + the low, deep growl of Duk. + </p> + <p> + To tell the simple truth, however, it was not their own danger that + occupied their thoughts, but their absent friend, the Doctor's. It was for + him they trembled, not for themselves. Poor Clawbonny, so good and devoted + as he had been to every member of the little colony! This was the first + time they had been separated from him. Extreme peril, and most likely a + frightful death awaited him, for he might return unsuspectingly to Fort + Providence, and find himself in the power of these ferocious animals. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + "And yet," said Johnson, "unless I am much mistaken, he must be on guard. + Your repeated shots cannot but have warned him. He must surely be aware + that something unusual has happened." + </p> + <p> + "But suppose he was too far away to hear them," replied Altamont, "or has + not understood the cause of them? It is ten chances to one but he'll come + quickly back, never imagining the danger. The bears are screened from + sight by the crag completely." + </p> + <p> + "We must get rid of them before he comes," said Hatteras. + </p> + <p> + "But how?" asked Bell. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + It was difficult to reply to this, for a sortie was out of the question. + They had taken care to barricade the entrance passage, but the bears could + easily find a way in if they chose. So it was thought advisable to keep a + close watch on their movements outside, by listening attentively in each + room, so as to be able to resist all attempts at invasion. They could hear + them distinctly prowling about, growling and scraping the walls with their + enormous paws. + </p> + <p> + However, some action must be taken speedily, for time was passing. + Altamont resolved to try a port-hole through which he might fire on his + assailants. He had soon scooped out a hole in the wall, but his gun was + hardly pushed through, when it was seized with irresistible force, and + wrested from his grasp before he could even fire. + </p> + <p> + "Confound it!" he exclaimed, "we're no match for them." + </p> + <p> + And he hastened to stop up the breach as fast as possible. + </p> + <p> + This state of things had lasted upwards of an hour, and there seemed no + prospect of a termination. The question of a <i>sortie</i> began now to be + seriously discussed. There was little chance of success, as the bears + could not be attacked separately, but Hatteras and his companions had + grown so impatient, and it must be confessed were also so much ashamed of + being kept in prison by beasts, that they would even have dared the risk + if the captain had not suddenly thought of a new mode of defence. + </p> + <p> + He took Johnson's furnace-poker, and thrust it into the stove while he + made an opening in the snow wall, or rather a partial opening, for he left + a thin sheet of ice on the outer side. As soon as the poker was red hot, + he said to his comrades who stood eagerly watching him, wondering what he + was going to do- + </p> + <p> + "This red-hot bar will keep off the bears when they try to get hold of it, + and we shall be able easily to fire across it without letting them snatch + away our guns." + </p> + <p> + "A good idea," said Bell, posting himself beside Altamont. + </p> + <p> + Hatteras withdrew the poker, and instantly plunged it in the wall. The + melting snow made a loud hissing noise, and two bears ran and made a + snatch at the glowing bar; but they fell back with a terrible howl, and at + the same moment four shots resounded, one after the other. + </p> + <p> + "Hit!" exclaimed Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "Hit!" echoed Bell. + </p> + <p> + "Let us repeat the dose," said Hatteras, carefully stopping up the opening + meantime. + </p> + <p> + The poker was again thrust into the fire, and in a few minutes was ready + for Hatteras to recommence operations. + </p> + <p> + Altamont and Bell reloaded their guns, and took their places; but this + time the poker would not pass through. + </p> + <p> + "Confound the beasts!" exclaimed the impetuous American. + </p> + <p> + "What's the matter?" asked Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "What's the matter? Why, those plaguey animals are piling up block after + block, intending to bury us alive!" + </p> + <p> + "Impossible!" + </p> + <p> + "Look for yourself; the poker can't get through. I declare it is getting + absurd now." + </p> + <p> + It was worse than absurd, it was alarming. Things grew worse. It was + evident that the bears meant to stifle their prey, for the sagacious + animals were heaping up huge masses, which would make escape impossible. + </p> + <p> + "It is too bad," said old Johnson, with a mortified look. "One might put + up with men, but bears!" + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + Two hours elapsed without bringing any relief to the prisoners; to go out + was impossible, and the thick walls excluded all sound. Altamont walked + impatiently up and down full of exasperation and excitement at finding + himself worsted for once. Hatteras could think of nothing but the Doctor, + and of the serious peril which threatened him. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + "Oh, if Mr. Clawbonny were only here!" said Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "What could he do?" asked Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, he'd manage to get us out somehow." + </p> + <p> + "How, pray?" said the American, crossly. + </p> + <p> + "If I knew that I should not need him. However, I know what his advice + just now would be." + </p> + <p> + "What?" + </p> + <p> + "To take some food; that can't hurt us. What do you say, Mr. Altamont?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, let's eat, by all means, if that will please you, though we're in a + ridiculous, not to say humiliating, plight." + </p> + <p> + "I'll bet you we'll find a way out after dinner." + </p> + <p> + No one replied, but they seated themselves round the table. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + Johnson, trained in Clawbonny's school, tried to be brave and unconcerned + about the danger, but he could scarcely manage it. His jokes stuck in his + throat. Moreover, the whole party began to feel uncomfortable. The + atmosphere was getting dense, for every opening was hermetically sealed. + The stoves would hardly draw, and it was evident would soon go out + altogether for want of oxygen. + </p> + <p> + Hatteras was the first to see their fresh danger, and he made no attempt + to hide it from his companions. + </p> + <p> + "If that is the case," said Altamont, "we must get out at all risks." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," replied Hatteras; "but let us wait till night. We will make a hole + in the roof, and let in a provision of air, and then one of us can fire + out of it on the bears." + </p> + <p> + "It is the only thing we can do, I suppose," said Altamont. + </p> + <p> + So it was agreed; but waiting was hard work, and Altamont could not + refrain from giving vent to his impatience by thundering maledictions on + the bears, and abusing the ill fate which had placed them in such an + awkward and humbling predicament. "It was beasts versus men," he said, + "and certainly the men cut a pretty figure." + </p> + <p> + <a name="XIII" id="XIII"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h4> + <h4> + THE MINE. + </h4> + <p> + Night drew on, and the lamp in the sitting-room already began to burn dim + for want of oxygen. + </p> + <p> + At eight o'clock the final arrangements were completed, and all that + remained to do was to make an opening in the roof. + </p> + <p> + They had been working away at this for some minutes, and Bell was showing + himself quite an adept in the business, when Johnson, who had been keeping + watch in the sleeping room, came hurriedly in to his companions, pulling + such a long face, that the captain asked immediately what was the matter? + </p> + <p> + "Nothing exactly," said the old sailor, "and yet-" + </p> + <p> + "Come, out with it!" exclaimed Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "Hush! don't you hear a peculiar noise?" + </p> + <p> + "Where?" + </p> + <p> + "Here, on this side, on the wall of the room." + </p> + <p> + Bell stopped working, and listened attentively like the rest. Johnson was + right; a noise there certainly was on the side wall, as if some one were + cutting the ice. + </p> + <p> + "Don't you hear it?" repeated Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "Hear it? Yes, plain enough," replied Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "Is it the bears?" asked Bell. + </p> + <p> + "Most assuredly." + </p> + <p> + "Well; they have changed their tactics," said old Johnson, "and given up + the idea of suffocating us." + </p> + <p> + "Or may be they suppose we are suffocated by now," suggested the American, + getting furious at his invisible enemies. + </p> + <p> + "They are going to attack us," said Bell. + </p> + <p> + "Well, what of it?" returned Hatteras. + </p> + <p> + "We shall have a hand-to-hand struggle, that's all." + </p> + <p> + "And so much the better," added Altamont; "that's far more to my taste; I + have had enough of invisible foes-let me see my antagonist, and then I can + fight him." + </p> + <p> + "Ay," said Johnson; "but not with guns. They would be useless here." + </p> + <p> + "With knife and hatchet then," returned the American. + </p> + <p> + The noise increased, and it was evident that the point of attack was the + angle of the wall formed by its junction with the cliff. + </p> + <p> + "They are hardly six feet off now," said the boatswain. + </p> + <p> + "Right, Johnson!" replied Altamont; "but we have time enough to be ready + for them." + </p> + <p> + And seizing a hatchet, he placed himself in fighting attitude, planting + his right foot firmly forward and throwing himself back. + </p> + <p> + Hatteras and the others followed his example, and Johnson took care to + load a gun in case of necessity. + </p> + <p> + Every minute the sound came nearer, till at last only a thin coating + separated them from their assailants. + </p> + <p> + Presently this gave way with a loud crack, and a huge dark mass rolled + over into the room. + </p> + <p> + Altamont had already swung his hatchet to strike, when he was arrested by + a well-known voice, exclaiming- + </p> + <p> + "For Heaven's sake, stop!" + </p> + <p> + "The Doctor! the Doctor!" cried Johnson. + </p> + <p> + And the Doctor it actually was who had tumbled in among them in such + undignified fashion. + </p> + <p> + "How do ye do, good friends?" he said, picking himself smartly up. + </p> + <p> + His companions stood stupefied for a moment, but joy soon loosened their + tongues, and each rushed eagerly forward to welcome his old comrade with a + loving embrace. Hatteras was for once fairly overcome with emotion, and + positively hugged him like a child. + </p> + <p> + "And is it really you, Mr. Clawbonny?" said Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "Myself and nobody else, my old fellow. I assure you I have been far more + uneasy about you than you could have been about me." + </p> + <p> + "But how did you know we had been attacked by a troop of bears?" asked + Altamont. "What we were most afraid of was that you would come quickly + back to Fort Providence, never dreaming of danger." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I saw it all. Your repeated shots gave me the alarm. When you + commenced firing I was beside the wreck of the <i>Porpoise</i>, but I + climbed up a hummock, and discovered five bears close on your heels. Oh, + how anxious I was for you! But when I saw you disappear down the cliff, + while the bears stood hesitating on the edge, as if uncertain what to do, + I felt sure that you had managed to get safely inside the house and + barricade it. I crept cautiously nearer, sometimes going on all-fours, + sometimes slipping between great blocks of ice, till I came at last quite + close to our fort, and then I found the bears working away like beavers. + They were prowling about the snow, and dragging enormous blocks of ice + towards the house, piling them up like a wall, evidently intending to bury + you alive. It is a lucky thing they did not take it into their heads to + dash down the blocks from the summit of the cone, for you must have been + crushed inevitably." + </p> + <p> + "But what danger you were in, Mr. Clawbonny," said Bell. "Any moment they + might have turned round and attacked you." + </p> + <p> + "They never thought of it even. Johnson's Greenland dogs came in sight + several times, but they did not take the trouble to go after them. No, + they imagined themselves sure of a more savoury supper!" + </p> + <p> + "Thanks for the compliment!" said Altamont, laughing. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, there is nothing to be proud of. When I saw what the bears were up + to, I determined to get back to you by some means or other. I waited till + night, but as soon as it got dark I glided noiselessly along towards the + powder-magazine. I had my reasons for choosing that point from which to + work my way hither, and I speedily commenced operations with my + snow-knife. A famous tool it is. For three mortal hours I have been + hacking and heaving away, but here I am at last tired enough and starving, + but still safe here." + </p> + <p> + "To share our fate!" said Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "No, to save you all; but, for any sake, give me a biscuit and a bit of + meat, for I feel sinking for want of food." + </p> + <p> + A substantial meal was soon before him, but the vivacious little man could + talk all the while he was eating, and was quite ready to answer any + questions. + </p> + <p> + "Did you say <i>to save us</i>?" asked Bell. + </p> + <p> + "Most assuredly!" was the reply. + </p> + <p> + "Well, certainly, if you found your way in, we can find our way out by the + same road." + </p> + <p> + "A likely story, and leave the field clear for the whole pack to come in + and find out our stores. Pretty havoc they would make!" + </p> + <p> + "No, we must stay here," said Hatteras. + </p> + <p> + "Of course we must," replied Clawbonny, "but we'll get rid of the bears + for all that." + </p> + <p> + "I told you so," said Johnson, rubbing his hands. "I knew nothing was + hopeless if Mr. Clawbonny was here; he has always some expedient in his + wise head." + </p> + <p> + "My poor head is very empty, I fear, but by dint of rummaging perhaps I--" + </p> + <p> + "Doctor," interrupted Altamont, "I suppose there is no fear of the bears + getting in by the passage you have made?" + </p> + <p> + "No, I took care to stop up the opening thoroughly, and now we can reach + the powder-magazine without letting them see us." + </p> + <p> + "All right; and now will you let us have your plan of getting rid of these + comical assailants?" + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + "My plan is quite simple, and part of the work is done already." + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean?" + </p> + <p> + "You shall see. But I am forgetting that I brought a companion with me." + </p> + <p> + "What do you say?" said Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "I have a companion to introduce to you," replied the Doctor, going out + again into the passage, and bringing back a dead fox, newly killed. + </p> + <p> + "I shot it this morning," he continued, "and never did fox come more + opportunely." + </p> + <p> + "What on earth do you mean?" asked Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "I mean to blow up the bears <i>en masse</i> with 100 lbs of powder." + </p> + <p> + "But where is the powder?" exclaimed his friend. + </p> + <p> + "In the magazine. This passage will lead to it. I made it purposely." + </p> + <p> + "And where is the mine to be?" inquired Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "At the furthest point from the house and stores." + </p> + <p> + "And how will you manage to entice the bears there, all to one spot?" + </p> + <p> + "I'll undertake that business; but we have talked enough, let us set to + work. We have a hundred feet more to add to our passage to-night, and that + is no easy matter, but as there are five of us, we can take turns at it. + Bell will begin, and we will lie down and sleep meantime." + </p> + <p> + "Well, really," said Johnson, "the more I think of it, the more feasible + seems the Doctor's plan." + </p> + <p> + "It is a sure one, anyway," said Clawbonny. + </p> + <p> + "So sure that I can feel the bear's fur already on my shoulder. Well, + come, let's begin then." + </p> + <p> + Away he went into the gloomy passage, followed by Bell, and in a few + moments they had reached the powder-magazine, and stood among the well- + arranged barrels. The Doctor pointed out to his companion the exact spot + where he began excavating, and then left him to his task, at which he + laboured diligently for about an hour, when Altamont came to relieve him. + All the snow he had dug out was taken to the kitchen and melted, to + prevent its taking up room. + </p> + <p> + The captain succeeded Altamont, and was followed by Johnson. In ten + hours-that is to say, about eight in the morning-the gallery was entirely + open. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + With the first streak of day, the Doctor was up to reconnoitre the + position of the enemy. The patient animals were still occupying their old + position, prowling up and down and growling. The house had already almost + disappeared beneath the piled-up blocks of ice, but even while he gazed a + council of war seemed being held, which evidently resulted in the + determination to alter the plan of action, for suddenly all the five bears + began vigorously to pull down these same heaped-up blocks. + </p> + <p> + "What are they about?" asked Hatteras, who was standing beside him. + </p> + <p> + "Well, they look to me to be bent on demolishing their own work, and + getting right down to us as fast as possible; but wait a bit, my + gentlemen, we'll demolish you first. However, we have not a minute to + lose." + </p> + <p> + Hastening away to the mine, he had the chamber where the powder was to be + lodged enlarged the whole breadth and height of the sloping rock against + which the wall leaned, till the upper part was about a foot thick, and had + to be propped up to prevent its falling in. A strong stake was fixed + firmly on the granite foundation, on the top of which the dead fox was + fastened. A rope was attached to the lower part of the stake, sufficiently + long to reach the powder stores. + </p> + <p> + "This is the bait," he said, pointing to the dead fox, "and here is the + mine," he added, rolling in a keg of powder containing about 100 lbs. + </p> + <p> + "But, Doctor," said Hatteras, "won't that blow us up too, as well as the + bears?" + </p> + <p> + "No, we shall be too far from the scene of explosion. Besides, our house + is solid, and we can soon repair the walls even if they should get a bit + shaken." + </p> + <p> + "And how do you propose to manage?" asked Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "See! By hauling in this rope we lower the post which props up the roof, + and make it give way, and bring up the dead fox to light, and I think you + will agree with me that the bears are so famished with their long fasting, + that they won't lose much time in rushing towards their unexpected meal. + Well, just at that very moment, I shall set fire to the mine, and blow up + both the guests and the meal." + </p> + <p> + "Capital! Capital!" shouted Johnson, who had been listening with intense + interest. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + Hatteras said nothing, for he had such absolute confidence in his friend + that he wanted no further explanation. But Altamont must know the why and + wherefore of everything. + </p> + <p> + "But Doctor," he said, "can you reckon on your match so exactly that you + can be quite sure it will fire the mine at the right moment?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't need to reckon at all; that's a difficulty easily got over." + </p> + <p> + "Then you have a match a hundred feet long?" + </p> + <p> + "No." + </p> + <p> + "You are simply going to lay a train of powder." + </p> + <p> + "No, that might miss fire." + </p> + <p> + "Well, there is no way then but for one of us to devote his life to the + others, and go and light the powder himself." + </p> + <p> + "I'm ready," said Johnson, eagerly, "ready and willing." + </p> + <p> + "Quite useless my brave fellow," replied the Doctor, holding out his hand. + "All our lives are precious, and they will be all spared, thank God!" + </p> + <p> + "Well, I give it up!" said the American. "I'll make no more guesses." + </p> + <p> + "I should like to know what is the good of learning physics," said the + Doctor, smiling, "if they can't help a man at a pinch like this. Haven't + we an electric battery, and long enough lines attached to it to serve our + purpose? We can fire our mine whenever we please in an instant, and + without the slightest danger." + </p> + <p> + "Hurrah!" exclaimed Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "Hurrah!" echoed the others, without heeding whether the enemy heard them + or not. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor's idea was immediately carried out, and the connecting lines + uncoiled and laid down from the house to the chamber of the mine, one end + of each remaining attached to the electric pile, and the other inserted + into the keg of powder. + </p> + <p> + By nine o'clock everything was ready. It was high time, for the bears were + furiously engaged in the work of demolition. Johnson was stationed in the + powder-magazine, in charge of the cord which held the bait. + </p> + <p> + "Now," said Clawbonny to his companions, "load your guns, in case our + assailants are not killed. Stand beside Johnson, and the moment the + explosion is over rush out." + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + "All right," said Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "And now we have done all we can to help ourselves. So may Heaven help + us!" + </p> + <p> + Hatteras, Altamont, and Bell repaired to the powder-magazine, while the + Doctor remained alone beside the pile. + </p> + <p> + Soon he heard Johnson's voice in the distance calling out "Ready." + </p> + <p> + "All right," was the reply. + </p> + <p> + Johnson pulled his rope vigorously, and then rushed to the loop-hole to + see the effect. The thin shell of ice had given way, and the body of the + fox lay among the ruins. The bears were somewhat scared at first, but the + next minute had eagerly rushed to seize the booty. + </p> + <p> + "Fire!" called out Johnson, and at once the electric spark was sent along + the lines right into the keg of powder. A formidable explosion ensued; the + house was shaken as if by an earthquake, and the walls cracked asunder. + Hatteras, Altamont, and Bell hurried out with the guns, but they might + spare their shot, for four of the bears lay dead, and the fifth, half + roasted, though alive, was scampering away in terror as fast as his legs + could carry him. + </p> + <p> + "Hurrah! Three cheers for Clawbonny," they shouted and overwhelmed the + Doctor with plaudits and thanks. + </p> + <p> + <a name="XIV" id="XIV"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h4> + <h4> + AN ARCTIC SPRING. + </h4> + <p> + The prisoners were free, and their joy found vent in the noisiest + demonstrations. They employed the rest of the day in repairing the house, + which had suffered greatly by the explosion. They cleared away the blocks + piled up by the animals, and filled up the rents in the walls, working + with might and main, enlivened by the many songs of old Johnson. + </p> + <p> + Next morning there was a singular rise in the temperature, the thermometer + going up to 15° above zero. + </p> + <p> + This comparative heat lasted several days. In sheltered spots the glass + rose as high as 31°, and symptoms of a thaw appeared. + </p> + <p> + The ice began to crack here and there, and jets of salt water were thrown + up, like fountains in an English park. A few days later, the rain fell in + torrents. + </p> + <p> + Thick vapour rose from the snow, giving promise of the speedy + disappearance of these immense masses. The sun's pale disc became deeper + in colour, and remained longer above the horizon. The night was scarcely + longer than three hours. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + Other tokens of spring's approach were manifest of equal significance, the + birds were returning in flocks, and the air resounded with their deafening + cries. Hares were seen on the shores of the bay, and mice in such + abundance that their burrows completely honeycombed the ground. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + The Doctor drew the attention of his companions to the fact, that almost + all these animals were beginning to lose their white winter dress, and + would soon put on summer attire, while nature was already providing + mosses, and poppies, and saxifragas, and short grass for their sustenance. + A new world lay beneath that melting snow. + </p> + <p> + But with these inoffensive animals came back their natural enemies. Foxes + and wolves arrived in search of their prey, and dismal howls broke the + silence of the short night. + </p> + <p> + Arctic wolves closely resemble dogs, and their barking would deceive the + most practised ears; even the canine race themselves have been deceived by + it. Indeed, it seems as if the wily animals employed this ruse to attract + the dogs, and make them their prey. Several navigators have mentioned the + fact, and the Doctor's own experience confirmed it. Johnson took care not + to let his Greenlanders loose; of Duk there was little fear; nothing could + take him in. + </p> + <p> + For about a fortnight hunting was the principal occupation. There was an + abundant supply of fresh meat to be had. They shot partridges, ptarmigans, + and snow ortolans, which are delicious eating. The hunters never went far + from Fort Providence, for game was so plentiful that it seemed waiting + their guns, and the whole bay presented an animated appearance. + </p> + <p> + The thaw, meanwhile, was making rapid progress. The thermometer stood + steadily at 32° above zero, and the water ran down the mountain sides in + cataracts, and dashed in torrents through the ravines. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor lost no time in clearing about an acre of ground, in which he + sowed the seeds of anti-scorbutic plants. He just had the pleasure of + seeing tiny little green leaves begin to sprout, when the cold returned in + full force. + </p> + <p> + In a single night, the thermometer lost nearly 40°; it went down to 8° + below zero. Everything was frozen-birds, quadrupeds, amphibia disappeared + as if by magic; seal-holes reclosed, and the ice once more became hard as + granite. + </p> + <p> + The change was most striking; it occurred on the 18th of May, during the + night. The Doctor was rather disappointed at having all his work to do + again, but Hatteras bore the grievance most unphilosophically, as it + interfered with all his plans of speedy departure. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + "Do you think we shall have a long spell of this weather, Mr. Clawbonny?" + asked Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "No, my friend, I don't; it is a last blow from the cold. You see these + are his dominions, and he won't be driven out without making some + resistance." + </p> + <p> + "He can defend himself pretty well," said Bell, rubbing his face. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; but I ought to have waited, and not have wasted my seed like an + ignoramus; and all the more as I could, if necessary, have made them + sprout by the kitchen stoves." + </p> + <p> + "But do you mean to say," asked Altamont, "that you might have anticipated + the sudden change?" + </p> + <p> + "Of course, and without being a wizard. I ought to have put my seed under + the protection of Saint Paucratius and the other two saints, whose fête + days fall this month." + </p> + <p> + "Absurd! Pray tell me what they have to do with it? What influence can + they possibly have on the temperature?" + </p> + <p> + "An immense one, if we are to believe horticulturists, who call them the + patron saints of the frost." + </p> + <p> + "And for what reason?" + </p> + <p> + "Because generally there is a periodical frost in the month of May, and it + is coldest from the 11th to the 13th. That is the fact." + </p> + <p> + "And how is it explained?" + </p> + <p> + "In two ways. Some say that a larger number of asteroids come between the + earth and the sun at this time of year, and others that the mere melting + of the snow necessarily absorbs a large amount of heat, and accounts for + the low temperature. Both theories are plausible enough, but the fact + remains whichever we accept, and I ought to have remembered it." + </p> + <p> + The Doctor was right, for the cold lasted till the end of the month, and + put an end to all their hunting expeditions. The old monotonous life + in-doors recommenced, and was unmarked by any incident except a serious + illness which suddenly attacked Bell. This was violent quinsy, but, under + the Doctor's skilful treatment, it was soon cured. Ice was the only remedy + he employed, administered in small pieces, and in twenty- four hours Bell + was himself again. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + During this compulsory leisure, Clawbonny determined to have a talk with + the captain on an important subject-the building of a sloop out of the + planks of the <i>Porpoise</i>. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor hardly knew how to begin, as Hatteras had declared so + vehemently that he would never consent to use a morsel of American wood; + yet it was high time he were brought to reason, as June was at hand, the + only season for distant expeditions, and they could not start without a + ship. + </p> + <p> + He thought over it a long while, and at last drew the captain aside, and + said in the kindest, gentlest way- + </p> + <p> + "Hatteras, do you believe I'm your friend?" + </p> + <p> + "Most certainly I do," replied the captain, earnestly; "my best, indeed my + only friend." + </p> + <p> + "And if I give you a piece of advice without your asking, will you + consider my motive is perfectly disinterested?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, for I know you have never been actuated by self-interest. But what + are you driving at?" + </p> + <p> + "Wait, Hatteras, I have one thing more to ask. Do you look on me as a + true-hearted Englishman like yourself, anxious for his country's glory?" + </p> + <p> + Hatteras looked surprised, but simply said- + </p> + <p> + "I do." + </p> + <p> + "You desire to reach the North Pole," the Doctor went on; "and I + understand and share your ambition, but to achieve your object you must + employ the right means." + </p> + <p> + "Well, and have I not sacrificed everything for it?" + </p> + <p> + "No, Hatteras, you have not sacrificed your personal antipathies. Even at + this very moment I know you are in the mood to refuse the indispensable + conditions of reaching the pole." + </p> + <p> + "Ah! it is the boat you want to talk about, and that man--" + </p> + <p> + "Hatteras, let us discuss the question calmly, and examine the case on all + sides. The coast on which we find ourselves at present may terminate + abruptly; we have no proof that it stretches right away to the pole; + indeed, if your present information prove correct, we ought to come to an + open sea during the summer months. Well, supposing we reach this Arctic + Ocean and find it free from ice and easy to navigate, what shall we do if + we have no ship?" + </p> + <p> + Hatteras made no reply. + </p> + <p> + "Tell me, now, would you like to find yourself only a few miles from the + pole and not be able to get to it?" + </p> + <p> + Hatteras still said nothing, but buried his head in his hands. + </p> + <p> + "Besides," continued the Doctor, "look at the question in its moral + aspect. Here is an Englishman who sacrifices his fortune, and even his + life, to win fresh glory for his country, but because the boat which bears + him across an unknown ocean, or touches the new shore, happens to be made + of the planks of an American vessel-a cast-away wreck of no use to + anyone-will that lessen the honour of the discovery? If you yourself had + found the hull of some wrecked vessel lying deserted on the shore, would + you have hesitated to make use of it; and must not a sloop built by four + Englishmen and manned by four Englishmen be English from keel to gunwale?" + </p> + <p> + Hatteras was still silent. + </p> + <p> + "No," continued Clawbonny; "the real truth is, it is not the sloop you + care about: it is the man." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Doctor, yes," replied the captain. "It is this American I detest; I + hate him with a thorough English hatred. Fate has thrown him in my path." + </p> + <p> + "To save you!" + </p> + <p> + "To ruin me. He seems to defy me, and speaks as if he were lord and + master. He thinks he has my destiny in his hands, and knows all my + projects. Didn't we see the man in his true colours when we were giving + names to the different coasts? Has he ever avowed his object in coming so + far north? You will never get out of my head that this man is not the + leader of some expedition sent out by the American government." + </p> + <p> + "Well, Hatteras, suppose it is so, does it follow that this expedition is + to search for the North Pole? May it not be to find the North-West + Passage? But anyway, Altamont is in complete ignorance of our object, for + neither Johnson, nor Bell, nor myself, have ever breathed a word to him + about it, and I am sure you have not." + </p> + <p> + "Well, let him always remain so." + </p> + <p> + "He must be told in the end, for we can't leave him here alone." + </p> + <p> + "Why not? Can't he stay here in Fort Providence?" + </p> + <p> + "He would never consent to that, Hatteras; and, moreover, to leave a man + in that way, and not know whether we might find him safe when we came + back, would be worse than imprudent: it would be inhuman. Altamont will + come with us; he must come. But we need not disclose our projects; let us + tell him nothing, but simply build a sloop for the ostensible purpose of + making a survey of the coast." + </p> + <p> + Hatteras could not bring himself to consent, but said- + </p> + <p> + "And suppose the man won't allow his ship to be cut up?" + </p> + <p> + "In that case, you must take the law in your own hands, and build a vessel + in spite of him." + </p> + <p> + "I wish to goodness he would refuse, then!" + </p> + <p> + "He must be asked before he can refuse. I'll undertake the asking," said + Clawbonny. + </p> + <p> + He kept his word, for that very same night, at supper, he managed to turn + the conversation towards the subject of making excursions during summer + for hydrographical purposes. + </p> + <p> + "You will join us, I suppose, Altamont," he said. + </p> + <p> + "Of course," replied the American. "We must know how far New America + extends." + </p> + <p> + Hatteras looked fixedly at his rival, but said nothing. + </p> + <p> + "And for that purpose," continued Altamont, "we had better build a little + ship out of the remains of the <i>Porpoise</i>. It is the best possible + use we can make of her." + </p> + <p> + "You hear, Bell," said the Doctor, eagerly. "We'll all set to work + to-morrow morning." + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: The carpenter began his task immediately.-P.154] + </p> + <p> + <a name="XV" id="XV"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XV. + </h4> + <h4> + THE NORTH-WEST PASSAGE. + </h4> + <p> + Next morning, Altamont Bell and the Doctor repaired to the <i>Porpoise</i>. + There was no lack of wood, for, shattered as the old "three-master" had + been by the icebergs, she could still supply the principal parts of a new + ship, and the carpenter began his task immediately. + </p> + <p> + In the end of May, the temperature again rose, and spring returned for + good and all. Rain fell copiously, and before long the melting snow was + running down every little slope in falls and cascades. + </p> + <p> + Hatteras could not contain his delight at these signs of a general thaw + among the ice-fields, for an open sea would bring him liberty. At last he + might hope to ascertain for himself whether his predecessors were correct + in their assertions about a polar basin. + </p> + <p> + This was a frequent topic of thought and conversation with him, and one + evening when he was going over all the old familiar arguments in support + of his theory, Altamont took up the subject, and declared his opinion that + the polar basin extended west as well as east. But it was impossible for + the American and Englishman, to talk long about anything without coming to + words, so intensely national were both. Dr. Kane was the first bone of + contention on this occasion, for the jealous Englishman was unwilling to + grant his rival the glory of being a discoverer, alleging his belief that + though the brave adventurer had gone far north, it was by mere chance he + had made a discovery. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + "Chance!" interrupted Altamont, hotly. "Do you mean to assert that it is + not to Kane's energy and science that we owe his great discovery?" + </p> + <p> + "I mean to say that Dr. Kane's name is not worth mentioning in a country + made illustrious by such names as Parry, and Franklin, and Ross, and + Belcher, and Penny; in a country where the seas opened the North- West + Passage to an Englishman-McClure!" + </p> + <p> + "McClure!" exclaimed the American. "Well, if ever chance favoured anyone + it was that McClure. Do you pretend to deny it?" + </p> + <p> + "I do," said Hatteras, becoming quite excited. "It was his courage and + perseverance in remaining four whole winters among the ice." + </p> + <p> + "I believe that, don't I?" said Altamont, sneeringly. "He was caught among + the bergs and could not get away; but didn't he after all abandon his + ship, the <i>Investigator</i>, and try to get back home? Besides, putting + the man aside, what is the value of his discovery? I maintain that the + North-West Passage is still undiscovered, for not a single ship to this + day has ever sailed from Behring's Straits to Baffin's Bay!" + </p> + <p> + The fact was indisputable, but Hatteras started to his feet, and said- + </p> + <p> + "I will not permit the honour of an English captain to be attacked in my + presence any longer!" + </p> + <p> + "You will not permit!" echoed Altamont, also springing erect. "But these + are facts, and it is out of your power to destroy them!" + </p> + <p> + "Sir!" shouted Hatteras, pale with rage. + </p> + <p> + "My friends!" interposed the Doctor; "pray be calm. This is a scientific + point we are discussing." + </p> + <p> + But Hatteras was deaf to reason now, and said angrily- + </p> + <p> + "I'll tell you the facts, sir." + </p> + <p> + "And I'll tell you," retorted the irate American. + </p> + <p> + "Gentlemen," said Clawbonny, in a firm tone; "allow me to speak, for I + know the facts of the case as well as and perhaps better than you, and I + can state them impartially." + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes!" cried Bell and Johnson, who had been anxiously watching the + strife. + </p> + <p> + "Well, go on," said Altamont, finding himself in the minority, while + Hatteras simply made a sign of acquiescence, and resumed his seat. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor brought a chart and spread it out on the table, that his + auditors might follow his narration intelligibly, and be able to judge the + merits of McClure for themselves. + </p> + <p> + "It was in 1848," he said, "that two vessels, the <i>Herald</i> and the <i>Plover</i>, + were sent out in search of Franklin, but their efforts proving + ineffectual, two others were despatched to assist them- the <i>Investigator</i>, + in command of McClure, and the <i>Enterprise</i>, in command of Captain + Collison. The <i>Investigator</i> arrived first in Behring's Straits, and + without waiting for her consort, set out with the declared purpose to find + Franklin or the North-West Passage. The gallant young officer hoped to + push north as far as Melville Sound, but just at the extremity of the + Strait, he was stopped by an insurmountable barrier of ice, and forced to + winter there. During the long, dreary months, however, he and his officers + undertook a journey over the ice-field, to make sure of its communicating + with Melville Sound." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, but he did not get through," said Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "Stop a bit," replied Clawbonny; "as soon as a thaw set in, McClure + renewed his attempt to bring his ship into Melville Sound, and had + succeeded in getting within twenty miles, when contrary winds set in, and + dragged her south with irresistible violence. This decided the captain to + alter his course. He determined to go in a westerly direction; but after a + fearful struggle with icebergs, he stuck fast in the first of the series + of straits + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + which end in Baffin's Bay, and was obliged to winter in Mercy Bay. His + provisions would only hold out eighteen months longer, but he would not + give up. He set out on a sledge, and reached Melville Island, hoping to + fall in with some ship or other, but all he found in Winter Harbour was a + cairn, which contained a document, stating that Captain Austin's + lieutenant, McClintock, had been there the preceding year. McClure + replaced this document by another, which stated his intention of returning + to England by the North-West Passage he had discovered, by Lancaster Sound + and Baffin's Bay, and that in the event of his not being heard of, he + might be looked for north or west of Melville Island. Then he went back to + Mercy Bay with undaunted courage, to pass a third winter. By the beginning + of March his stock of provisions was so reduced in consequence of the + utter scarcity of game through the severity of the season, that McClure + resolved to send half his men to England, either by Baffin's Bay or by + McKenzie River and Hudson's Bay. The other half would manage to work the + vessel to Europe. He kept all his best sailors, and selected for departure + only those to whom a fourth winter would have been fatal. Everything was + arranged for their leaving, and the day fixed, when McClure, who was out + walking with Lieutenant Craswell, observed a man running towards them, + flinging up his arms and gesticulating frantically, and on getting nearer + recognized him as Lieutenant Prim, officer on board the <i>Herald</i>, one + of the ships he had parted with in Behring's Straits two years before. + </p> + <p> + Captain Kellett, the Commander, had reached Winter Harbour, and finding + McClure's document in the cairn, had dispatched his lieutenant in search + of him. McClure accompanied him back, and arranged with the captain to + send him his batch of invalids. Lieutenant Craswell took charge of these + and conveyed them safely to Winter Harbour. Leaving them there he went + across the ice four hundred and seventy miles, and arrived at Isle Beechy, + where, a few days afterwards, he took passage with twelve men on board the + <i>Phoenix</i>, and reached London safely on the 7th of October, 1853, + having traversed the whole extent between Behring's Straits and Cape + Farewell." + </p> + <p> + "Well, if arriving on one side and leaving at the other is not going + through, I don't know what is!" said Hatteras. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, but he went four hundred and seventy miles over ice-fields," + objected Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "What of that?" + </p> + <p> + "Everything; that is the gist of the whole argument. It was not the <i>Investigator</i> + that went through." + </p> + <p> + "No," replied Clawbonny, "for, at the close of the fourth winter, McClure + was obliged to leave her among the ice." + </p> + <p> + "Well, in maritime expeditions the vessel has to get through, and not the + man; and if ever the Northwest Passage is practicable, it will be for + ships and not sledges. If a ship cannot go, a sloop must." + </p> + <p> + "A sloop!" exclaimed Hatteras, discovering a hidden meaning in the words. + </p> + <p> + "Altamont," said the Doctor, "your distinction is simply puerile, and in + that respect we all consider that you are in the wrong." + </p> + <p> + "You may easily do that," returned the American. "It is four against one, + but that will not prevent me from holding my own opinion." + </p> + <p> + "Keep it and welcome, but keep it to yourself, if you please, for the + future," exclaimed Hatteras. + </p> + <p> + "And pray what right have you to speak to me like this, sir?" shouted + Altamont, in a fury. + </p> + <p> + "My right as captain," returned Hatteras, equally angry. + </p> + <p> + "Am I to submit to your orders, then?" + </p> + <p> + "Most assuredly, and woe to you if--" + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: The Doctor did not allow him to proceed, for he really + feared the two antagonists might come to blows.-P.162] + </p> + <p> + The Doctor did not allow him to proceed, for he really feared the two + antagonists might come to blows. Bell and Johnson seconded his endeavours + to make peace, and, after a few conciliatory words, Altamont turned on his + heel, and walked carelessly away, whistling "Yankee Doodle." Hatteras went + outside, and paced up and down with rapid strides. In about an hour he + came back, and retired to bed without saying another word. + </p> + <p> + <a name="XVI" id="XVI"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XVI. + </h4> + <h4> + ARCTIC ARCADIA + </h4> + <p> + On the 29th of May, for the first time, the sun never set. His glowing + disc just touched the boundary line of the horizon, and rose again + immediately. The period was now entered when the day lasts twenty- four + hours. + </p> + <p> + Next morning there was a magnificent halo; the monarch of day appeared + surrounded by a luminous circle, radiant with all the prismatic colours. + This phenomenon never lost its charm, for the Doctor, however frequently + it occurred, and he always noted carefully down all particulars respecting + it. + </p> + <p> + Before long the feathered tribes began to return, filling the air with + their discordant cries. Flocks of bustards and Canadian geese from Florida + or Arkansas came flying north with marvellous rapidity, bringing spring + beneath their wings. The Doctor shot several, and among them one or two + cranes and a solitary stork. + </p> + <p> + The snow was now fast melting, and the ice-fields were covered with + "slush." All round the bay large pools had formed, between which the soil + appeared as if some product of spring. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor recommenced his sowing, for he had plenty of seed; but he was + surprised to find sorrel growing already between the half-dried stones, + and even pale sickly heaths, trying to show their delicate pink blossoms. + </p> + <p> + At last it began to be really hot weather. On the 15th of June, the + thermometer stood at 57° above zero. The Doctor scarcely believed his + eyes, but it was a positive fact, and it was soon confirmed by the changed + appearance of the country. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + An excursion was made to Isle Johnson, but it turned out to be a barren + little islet of no importance whatever, though it gave the old boatswain + infinite pleasure to know that those sea girt rocks bore his name. + </p> + <p> + There was some danger of both house and stores melting, but happily this + high temperature proved exceptional, the thermometer seldom averaging much + above freezing point. + </p> + <p> + By the middle of June, the sloop had made good progress, and already + presented a shapely appearance. As Bell and Johnson took the work of + construction entirely on themselves, the others went hunting, and + succeeded in killing several deer, in spite of its being difficult game to + approach. Altamont adopted the Indian practice of crawling on all fours, + and adjusting his gun and arms so as to simulate horns and deceive the + timid animal, till he could get near enough to take good aim. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + Their principal object of pursuit, however, was the musk-ox, which Parry + had met with in such numbers in Melville Island; but not a solitary + specimen was to be seen anywhere about Victoria Bay, and a distant + excursion was, therefore, resolved upon, which would serve the double + purpose of hunting and surveying the eastern coast. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + The three hunters, accompanied by Duk, set out on Monday, the 17th of + June, at six in the morning, each man armed with a double-barrelled gun, a + hatchet and snow-knife, and provisions for several days. + </p> + <p> + It was a fine bright morning, and by ten o'clock they had gone twelve + miles; but not a living thing had crossed their path, and the hunt + threatened to turn out a mere excursion. + </p> + <p> + However, they went on in hope, after a good breakfast and half-an- hour's + rest. + </p> + <p> + The ground was getting gradually lower, and presented a peculiar + appearance from the snow, which lay here and there in ridges unmelted. At + a distance it looked like the sea when a strong wind is lashing up the + waves, and cresting them with a white foam. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + Before long they reached a sort of glen, at the bottom of which was a + winding river. It was almost completely thawed, and already the banks were + clothed with a species of vegetation, as if the sun had done his best to + fertilise the soil. + </p> + <p> + "I tell you what," said the Doctor, "a few enterprising colonists might + make a fine settlement here. With a little industry and perseverance + wonders might be done in this country. Ah! if I am not much mistaken, it + has some four-footed inhabitants already. Those frisky little fellows know + the best spots to choose." + </p> + <p> + "Hares! I declare. That's jolly! " said Altamont, loading his gun. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + "Stop!" cried the Doctor; "stop, you furious hunter. Let the poor little + things alone; they are not thinking of running away. Look, they are + actually coming to us, I do believe!" + </p> + <p> + He was right, for presently three or four young hares, gambolling away + among the fresh moss and tiny heaths, came running about their legs so + fearlessly and trustfully, that even Altamont was disarmed. They + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: It was a strange and touching spectacle to see the pretty + creatures-they flew on Clawbonny's shoulders, etc.-P.169] + </p> + <p> + rubbed against the Doctor's knees, and let him stroke them till the + kind-hearted man could not help saying to Altamont- + </p> + <p> + "Why give shot to those who come for caresses? The death of these little + beasts could do us no good." + </p> + <p> + "You say what's true, Clawbonny. Let them live!" replied Hatteras. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + "And these ptarmigans too, I suppose, and these long-legged plovers," + added Altamont, as a whole covey of birds flew down among the hunters, + never suspecting their danger. Duk could not tell what to make of it, and + stood stupefied. + </p> + <p> + It was a strange and touching spectacle to see the pretty creatures; they + flew on Clawbonny's shoulders, and lay down at his feet as if inviting + friendly caresses, and doing their utmost to welcome the strangers. The + whole glen echoed with their joyous cries as they darted to and fro from + all parts. The good Doctor seemed some mighty enchanter. + </p> + <p> + The hunters had continued their course along the banks of the river, when + a sudden bend in the valley revealed a herd of deer, eight or ten in + number, peacefully browsing on some lichens that lay half-buried in the + snow. They were charming creatures, so graceful and gentle, male and + female, both adorned with noble antlers, wide-spreading and deeply- + notched. Their skin had already lost its winter whiteness, and began to + assume the brown tint of summer. Strange to say, they appeared not a whit + more afraid than the birds or hares. + </p> + <p> + The three men were now right in the centre of the herd, but not one made + the least movement to run away. This time the worthy Doctor had far more + difficulty in restraining Altamont's impatience, for the mere sight of + such magnificent animals roused his hunting instincts, and he became quite + excited; while Hatteras, on the contrary, seemed really touched to see the + splendid creatures rubbing their heads so affectionately and trustfully + against the good Clawbonny, the friend of every living thing. + </p> + <p> + "But, I say," exclaimed Altamont, "didn't we come out expressly to hunt?" + </p> + <p> + "To hunt the musk-ox, and nothing else," replied Clawbonny. "Besides, we + shouldn't know what to do with this game, even if we killed it; we have + provisions enough. Let us for once enjoy the sight of men and animals in + perfect amity." + </p> + <p> + "It proves no human beings have been here before," said Hatteras. + </p> + <p> + "True, and that proves something more, these animals are not of American + origin." + </p> + <p> + "How do you make that out?" said Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "Why, if they had been born in North America they would have known how to + treat that mammiferous biped called man, and would have fled at the first + glimpse of us. No, they are from the north, most likely from the untrodden + wilds of Asia, so Altamont, you have no right to claim them as + fellow-countrymen." + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + "Oh! a hunter doesn't examine his game so closely as all that. Everything + is grist that comes to his mill." + </p> + <p> + "All right. Calm yourself, my brave Nimrod! For my own part, I would + rather never fire another shot than make one of these beautiful creatures + afraid of me. See, even Duk fraternizes with them. Believe me, it is well + to be kind where we can. Kindness is power." + </p> + <p> + "Well, well, so be it," said Altamont, not at all understanding such + scruples. "But I should like to see what you would do if you had no weapon + but kindness among a pack of bears or wolves! You wouldn't make much of + it." + </p> + <p> + "I make no pretensions to charm wild beasts. I don't believe much in + Orpheus and his enchantments. Besides, bears and wolves would not come to + us like these hares, and partridges, and deer." + </p> + <p> + "Why not? They have never seen human beings either." + </p> + <p> + "No but they are savage by nature," said Clawbonny, "and ferocity, like + wickedness, engenders suspicion. This is true of men as well as animals." + </p> + <p> + They spent the whole day in the glen, which the Doctor christened "Arctic + Arcadia," and when evening came they lay down to rest in the hollow of a + rock, which seemed as if expressly prepared for their accommodation. + </p> + <p> + <a name="XVII" id="XVII"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XVII. + </h4> + <h4> + ALTAMONT'S REVENGE. + </h4> + <p> + Next morning, as the fine weather still continued, the hunters determined + to have another search for the musk ox. It was only fair to give Altamont + a chance, with the distinct understanding that he should have the right of + firing, however fascinating the game they might meet. Besides, the flesh + of the musk ox, though a little too highly impregnated with the smell, is + savoury food, and the hunters would gladly carry back a few pounds of it + to Fort Providence. + </p> + <p> + During the first part of the day, nothing occurred worth mentioning, but + they noticed a considerable change in the aspect of the country, and + appearances seemed to indicate that they were approaching a hilly region. + This New America was evidently either a continent or an island of + considerable extent. + </p> + <p> + Duk was running far ahead of his party when he stopped suddenly short, and + began sniffing the ground as if he had caught scent of game. Next minute + he rushed forward again with extreme rapidity, and was speedily out of + sight. But loud distinct barking convinced the hunters that the faithful + fellow had at last discovered the desired object. + </p> + <p> + They hurried onwards, and after an hour and a half's quick walking, found + him standing in front of two formidable looking animals, and barking + furiously. The Doctor recognized them at once as belonging to the musk ox, + or <i>Ovibos</i> genus, as naturalists call it, by the very wide horns + touching each other at their base, by the absence of muzzle, by the narrow + square chanfrin resembling that of a sheep, and by the very short tail. + Their hair was long and thickly matted, and mixed with fine brown, silky + wool. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + These singular-looking quadrupeds were not the least afraid of Duk, though + extremely surprised; but at the first glimpse of the hunters they took + flight, and it was no easy task to go after them, for half an hour's swift + running brought them no nearer, and made the whole party so out of breath, + that they were forced to come to a halt. + </p> + <p> + "Confound the beasts!" said Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Altamont, I'll make them over to you," replied Clawbonny; "they are + true Americans, and they don't appear to have a very favourable idea of + their fellow countrymen." + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + "That proves our hunting prowess," rejoined Altamont. + </p> + <p> + Meantime the oxen finding themselves no longer pursued, had stopped short. + Further pursuit was evidently useless. If they were to be captured at all + they must be surrounded, and the plateau which they first happened to have + reached, was very favourable for the purpose. Leaving Duk to worry them, + they went down by the neighbouring ravines; and got to the one end of the + plateau, where Altamont and the Doctor hid themselves behind projecting + rocks, while Hatteras went on to the other end, intending to startle the + animals by his sudden appearance, and drive them back towards his + companions. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose you have no objection this time to bestow a few bullets on + these gentry?" said Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, no, it is 'a fair field now and no favour,'" returned Clawbonny. + </p> + <p> + The oxen had begun to shake themselves impatiently at Duk, trying to kick + him off, when Hatteras started up right in front of them, shouting and + chasing them back. This was the signal for Altamont and the Doctor to rush + forward and fire, but at the sight of two assailants, the terrified + animals wheeled round and attacked Hatteras. He met their onset with a + firm, steady foot, and fired straight at their heads. But both his balls + were powerless, and only served still further to madden the enraged + beasts. They rushed upon the unfortunate man like furies, and threw him on + the ground in an instant. + </p> + <p> + "He is a dead man!" exclaimed the Doctor, in despairing accents. + </p> + <p> + A tremendous struggle was going on in Altamont's breast at the sight of + his prostrate foe, and though his first impulse was to hasten to his help, + he stopped short, battling with himself and his prejudices. But his + hesitation scarcely lasted half a second, his better self conquered, and + exclaiming, + </p> + <p> + "No, it would be cowardly!" he rushed forward with Clawbonny. + </p> + <p> + Hatteras full well understood how his rival felt, but would rather have + died than have begged his intervention. However, he had hardly time to + think about it, before Altamont was at his side. + </p> + <p> + He could not have held out much longer, for it was impossible to ward off + the blows of horns and hoofs of two such powerful antagonists, and in a + few minutes more he must have been torn to pieces. But suddenly two shots + resounded, and Hatteras felt the balls graze his head. + </p> + <p> + [Ilustration: Dealt him such a tremendous blow on the head with his + hatchet, that the skull was completely split open.-P.177] + </p> + <p> + "Courage!" shouted Altamont, flinging away his discharged weapon, and + throwing himself right in front of the raging animals. One of them, shot + to the heart, fell dead as he reached the spot, while the other dashed + madly on Hatteras, and was about to gore the unfortunate captain with his + horns, when Altamont plunged his snow knife far into the beast's wide open + jaws with one hand, with the other dealt him such a tremendous blow on the + head with his hatchet, that the skull was completely split open. + </p> + <p> + It was done so quickly that it seemed like a flash of lightning, and all + was over. The second ox lay dead, and Clawbonny shouted "Hurrah! hurrah!" + Hatteras was saved. + </p> + <p> + He owed his life to the man he hated the most. What a storm of conflicting + passions this must have roused in his soul! But where was the emotion he + could not master? + </p> + <p> + However, his action was prompt, whatever his feeling might be. Without a + moment's hesitancy, he went up to his rival, and said in a grave voice- + </p> + <p> + "Altamont, you have saved my life!" + </p> + <p> + "You saved mine," replied the American. + </p> + <p> + There was a moment's silence, and then Altamont added- + </p> + <p> + "We're quits, Hatteras." + </p> + <p> + "No, Altamont," said the captain; "when the Doctor dragged you out of your + icy tomb, I did not know who you were; but you saved me at the peril of + your own life, knowing quite well who I was." + </p> + <p> + "Why, you are a fellow-creature at any rate, and whatever faults an + American may have, he is no coward." + </p> + <p> + "No, indeed," said the Doctor. "He is a man, every inch as much as + yourself, Hatteras." + </p> + <p> + "And like me, he shall have part in the glory that awaits us." + </p> + <p> + "The glory of reaching the North Pole?" asked Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," replied Hatteras, proudly. + </p> + <p> + "I guessed right, then," said Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "And you have actually dared to conceive such a project? Oh! it is grand; + I tell you it is sublime even to think of it?" + </p> + <p> + "But tell me," said Hatteras in a hurried manner; "you were not bound for + the Pole then yourself?" + </p> + <p> + Altamont hesitated. + </p> + <p> + "Come, speak out, man," urged the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + "Well, to tell the truth, I was not, and the truth is better than + self-love. No, I had no such grand purpose in view. I was trying to clear + the North-West Passage, and that was all." + </p> + <p> + "Altamont," said Hatteras, holding out his hand; "be our companion to + glory, come with us and find the North Pole." + </p> + <p> + The two men clasped hands in a warm, hearty grasp, and the bond of + friendship between them was sealed. + </p> + <p> + When they turned to look for the Doctor they found him in tears. + </p> + <p> + "Ah! friends," he said, wiping his eyes; "you have made me so happy, it is + almost more than I can bear' You have sacrificed this miserable + nationality for the sake of the common cause. You have said, 'What does it + matter if only the Pole is discovered, whether it is by an Englishman or + an American?' Why should we brag of being American or English, when we can + boast that we are men?" + </p> + <p> + The good little man was beside himself with joy He hugged the reconciled + enemies to his bosom, and cemented their friendship by his own affection + to both. + </p> + <p> + At last he grew calm after at least a twentieth embrace, and said- + </p> + <p> + "It is time I went to work now. Since I am no hunter, I must use my + talents in another direction" + </p> + <p> + And he began to cut up the oxen so skilfully, that he seemed like a + surgeon making a delicate autopsy. + </p> + <p> + His two companions looked on smiling. In a few minutes the adroit operator + had cut off more than a hundred pounds of flesh. This he divided into + three parts. Each man took one, and they retraced their steps to Fort + Providence. + </p> + <p> + At ten o'clock they arrived at Doctor's House, where Johnson and Bell had + a good supper prepared for them. + </p> + <p> + But before sitting down to enjoy it, the Doctor exclaimed in a jubilant + tone, and pointing to his two companions- + </p> + <p> + "My dear old Johnson, I took out an American and an Englishman with me, + didn't I?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Mr. Clawbonny." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I bring back two brothers." + </p> + <p> + This was joyous news to the sailors, and they shook hands warmly with + Altamont; while the Doctor recounted all that had passed, and how the + American captain had saved the English captain's life. That night no five + happier men could have been found than those that lay sleeping in the + little snow house. + </p> + <p> + <a name="XVIII" id="XVIII"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XVIII. + </h4> + <h4> + FINAL PREPARATIONS + </h4> + <p> + Next day the weather changed, the cold returned. Snow, and rain, and + tempest came in quick succession for several days. + </p> + <p> + Bell had completed the sloop, and done his work well, for the little + vessel was admirably adapted for the purpose contemplated, being high at + the sides and partly decked so as to be able to stand a heavy sea, and yet + light enough to be drawn on the sledge without overburdening the dogs. + </p> + <p> + At last a change of the greatest importance took place. The ice began to + tremble in the centre of the bay, and the highest masses became loosened + at their base ready to form icebergs, and drift away before the first + gale; but Hatteras would not wait for the ice-fields to break up before he + started. Since the journey must be made on land, he did not care whether + the sea was open or not; and the day of departure was fixed for the 25th + of June-Johnson and Bell undertaking the necessary repairs of the sledge. + </p> + <p> + On the 20th, finding there was space enough between the broken ice to + allow the sloop to get through, it was determined to take her a trial trip + to Cape Washington. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + The sea was not quite open but it would have been impossible to go across + on foot. + </p> + <p> + This short sail of six hours sufficiently tested the powers of the sloop, + and proved her excellent qualities. In coming back they witnessed a + curious sight; it was the chase of a seal by a gigantic bear. Mr. Bruin + was too busily engaged to notice the vessel, or he would have pursued; he + was intently watching beside a seal hole with the patience of a true + hunter, or rather angler, for he was certainly fishing just then. He + watched in absolute silence, without stirring or giving the least sign of + life. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + But all of a sudden there was a slight disturbance on the surface of the + water in the hole, which announced the coming up of the amphibious animal + to breathe. Instantly the bear lay flat on his belly with his two paws + stretched round the opening. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: The poor seal struggled desperately, but could not free + himself from the iron grasp of his enemy.-P.184] + </p> + <p> + Next minute up came the seal, but his head no sooner appeared above the + water than the bear's paws closed about him like a vice, and dragged him + right out. The poor seal struggled desperately, but could not free himself + from the iron grasp of his enemy, who hugged him closer and closer till + suffocation was complete. Then he carried him off to his den as if the + weight were nothing, leaping lightly from pack to pack till he gained <i>terra + firma</i> safely. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + On the 22nd of June, Hatteras began to load the sledge. They put in 200 + lbs. of salt meat, three cases of vegetables and preserved meat, besides + lime-juice, and flour, and medicines. They also took 200 lbs. of powder + and a stock of fire-arms. Including the sloop and the Halkett- boat, there + was about 1500 lbs. weight, a heavy + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + load for four dogs, and all the more as they would have to drag it every + day, instead of only four days successively, like the dogs employed by the + Esquimaux, who always keep a relay for their sledges. However, the + distance to the Pole was not 150 miles at the outside, and they did not + intend to go more than twelve miles a day, as they could do it comfortably + in a month. Even if land failed them, they could always fall back on the + sloop, and finish the journey without fatigue to men or dogs. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + All the party were in excellent health, though they had lost flesh a + little; but, by attending to the Doctor's wise counsels, they had + weathered the winter without being attacked by any of the maladies + incident to the climate. + </p> + <p> + Now, they were almost at their journey's end, and not one doubted of + success, for a common bond of sympathy bound fast the five men, and made + them strong to persevere. + </p> + <p> + On Sunday, the 23rd, all was ready, and it was resolved to devote the + entire day to rest. + </p> + <p> + The dwellers on Fort Providence could not see the last day dawn without + some emotion. It cost them a pang to leave the snow-hut which had served + them in such good stead, and this hospitable shore where they had passed + the winter. Take it altogether, they had spent very happy hours there, and + the Doctor made a touching reference to the subject as they sat round the + table at the evening meal, and did not forget to thank God for his + manifest protection. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + They retired early to rest, for they needed to be up betimes. So passed + the last night in Fort Providence. + </p> + <p> + <a name="XIX" id="XIX"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XIX. + </h4> + <h4> + MARCH TO THE NORTH + </h4> + <p> + Next day at early dawn, Hatteras gave the signal for departure. The + well-fed and well-rested dogs were harnessed to the sledge. They had been + having a good time of it all the winter, and might be expected to do good + service during the summer. + </p> + <p> + It was six in the morning when the expedition started. After following the + windings of the bay and going past Cape Washington, they struck into the + direct route for the north, and by seven o'clock had lost sight of the + lighthouse and Fort Providence. + </p> + <p> + During the first two days they made twenty miles in twelve hours, devoting + the remainder of the time to rest and meals. The tent was quite sufficient + protection during sleep. + </p> + <p> + The temperature began to rise. In many places the snow melted entirely + away, and great patches of water appeared; here and there complete ponds, + which a little stretch of imagination might easily convert into lakes. The + travellers were often up to their knees, but they only laughed over it; + and, indeed, the Doctor was rather glad of such unexpected baths. + </p> + <p> + "But for all that," he said, "the water has no business to wet us here. It + is an element which has no right to this country, except in a solid or + vaporous state. Ice or vapour is all very well, but water- never!" + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + Hunting was not forgotten during the march, for fresh meat was a + necessity. Altamont and Bell kept their guns loaded, and shot ptarmigans, + guillemots, geese, and a few young hares; but, by degrees, birds and + animals had been changing from trustfulness to fear, and had become so shy + and difficult to approach, that very often, but for Duk, the hunters would + have wasted their powder. + </p> + <p> + Hatteras advised them not to go more than a mile away, as there was not a + day, nor even an hour, to lose, for three months of fine weather was the + utmost they + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + could count upon. Besides, the sledge was often coming to difficult + places, when each man was needed to lend a helping hand. + </p> + <p> + On the third day they came to a lake, several acres in extent, and still + entirely frozen over. The sun's rays had little access to it, owing to its + situation, and the ice was so strong that it must have dated from some + remote winter. It was strong enough to bear both the travellers and their + sledge, and was covered with dry snow. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + From this point the country became gradually lower, from which the Doctor + concluded that it did not extend to the Pole, but that most probably this + New America was an island. + </p> + <p> + Up to this time the expedition had been attended with no fatigue. The + travellers had only suffered from the intense glare of the sun on the + snow, which threatened them with snow-blindness. At another time of the + year they might have avoided this by walking during the night, but at + present there was no night at all. Happily the snow was beginning to melt, + and the brilliancy would diminish as the process of dissolution advanced. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + On the 28th of June the thermometer rose to 45°, and the rain fell in + torrents. Hatteras and his companions, however, marched stoically on, and + even hailed the downpour with delight, knowing that it would hasten the + disappearance of the snow. + </p> + <p> + As they went along, the Doctor often picked up stones, both round ones and + flat pebbles, as if worn away by the tide. He thought from this they must + be near the Polar Basin, and yet far as the eye could reach was one + interminable plain. + </p> + <p> + There was not a trace of houses, or huts, or cairns visible. It was + evident that the Greenlanders had not pushed their way so far north, and + yet the famished tribes would have found their account in coming, for the + country abounded in game. Bears were frequently seen, and numerous herds + of musk-oxen and deer. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Bell killed a fox and Altamont a musk-ox.-P.192] + </p> + <p> + On the 29th, Bell killed a fox and Altamont a musk-ox. These supplies of + fresh food were very acceptable, and even the Doctor surveyed, with + considerable satisfaction, the haunches of meat they managed to procure + from time to time. + </p> + <p> + "Don't let us stint ourselves," he used to say on these occasions; "food + is no unimportant matter in expeditions like ours." + </p> + <p> + "Especially," said Johnson, "when a meal depends on a lucky shot." + </p> + <p> + "You're right, Johnson; a man does not think so much about dinner when he + knows the soup-pot is simmering by the kitchen-fire." + </p> + <p> + On the 30th, they came to a district which seemed + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + to have been upturned by some volcanic convulsion, so covered was it with + cones and sharp lofty peaks. + </p> + <p> + A strong breeze from the south-east was blowing, which soon increased to a + hurricane, sweeping over the rocks covered with snow and the huge masses, + of ice, which took the forms of icebergs and hummocks, though on dry land. + </p> + <p> + The tempest was followed by damp, warm weather, which caused a regular + thaw. + </p> + <p> + On all sides nothing could be heard but the noise of cracking ice and + falling avalanches. + </p> + <p> + The travellers had to be very careful in avoiding hills, and even in + speaking aloud, for the slightest agitation in the air might have caused a + catastrophe. Indeed, the suddenness is the peculiar feature in Arctic + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + avalanches, distinguishing them from those of Switzerland and Norway. + Often the dislodgment of a block of ice is instantaneous, and not even a + cannon-ball or thunderbolt could be more rapid in its descent. The + loosening, the fall, and the crash happen almost simultaneously. + </p> + <p> + Happily, however, no accident befel any of the party, and three days + afterwards they came to smooth, level ground again. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + But here a new phenomenon met their gaze-a phenomenon which was long a + subject of patient inquiry among the learned of both hemispheres. They + came to a long chain of low hills which seemed to extend for miles, and + were all covered on the eastern side with bright red snow. + </p> + <p> + It is easy to imagine the surprise and half-terrified exclamations of the + little company at the sight of this long red curtain; but the Doctor + hastened to reassure them, or rather to instruct them, as to the nature of + this peculiar snow. He told them that this same red substance had been + found in Switzerland, in the heart of the Alps, and that the colour + proceeded solely from the presence of certain corpuscles, about the nature + of which for a long time chemists could not agree. They could not decide + whether these corpuscles were of animal or vegetable origin, but at last + it was settled that they belonged to the family of fungi, being a sort of + microscopic champignon of the species <i>Uredo</i>. + </p> + <p> + Turning the snow over with his iron-tipped staff, the Doctor found that + the colouring matter measured nine feet deep. He pointed this out to his + companions, that they might have some idea of the enormous number of these + tiny mushrooms in a layer extending so many miles. + </p> + <p> + This phenomenon was none the less strange for being explained, for red is + a colour seldom seen in nature over any considerable area. The reflection + of the sun's rays upon it produced the most peculiar effect, lighting up + men, and animals, and rocks with a fiery glow, as if proceeding from some + flame within. When the snow melted it looked like blood, as the red + particles do not decompose. It seemed to the travellers as if rivulets of + blood were running among their feet. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + The Doctor filled several bottles with this precious substance to examine + at leisure, as he had only had a glimpse of the Crimson Cliffs in Baffin's + Bay. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + This Field of Blood, as he called it, took three hours to get over, and + then the country resumed its usual aspect. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: At Bell's suggestion torches were contrived.-P.199] + </p> + <p> + <a name="XX" id="XX"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XX. + </h4> + <h4> + FOOTPRINTS IN THE SNOW. + </h4> + <p> + On the fourth of July there was such an exceedingly dense fog, that it was + very difficult to keep the straight course for the north. No misadventure, + however, befel the party during the darkness, except the loss of Bell's + snow-shoes. At Bell's suggestion, which fired the Doctor's inventive + genius, torches were contrived, made of tow steeped in spirits-of-wine and + fastened on the end of a stick, and these served somewhat to help them on, + though they made but small progress; for, on the sixth, after the fog had + cleared off, the Doctor took their bearings, and found that they had only + been marching at the rate of eight miles a day. + </p> + <p> + Determined to make up for lost time, they rose next morning very early and + started off, Bell and Altamont as usual going ahead of the rest and acting + as scouts. Johnson and the others kept beside the sledge, and were soon + nearly two miles behind the guides; but the weather was so dry and clear + that all their movements could be distinctly observed. + </p> + <p> + "What now? " said Clawbonny, as he saw them make a sudden halt, and stoop + down as if examining the ground. + </p> + <p> + "I was just wondering what they are about, myself," replied old Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps they have come on the tracks of animals," suggested Hatteras. + </p> + <p> + "No," said Clawbonny, "it can't be that." + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + "Why not?" + </p> + <p> + "Because Duk would bark." + </p> + <p> + "Well, it is quite evident they are examining some sort of marks." + </p> + <p> + "Let's get on, then," said Hatteras; and, urging forward the dogs, they + rejoined their companions in about twenty minutes, and shared their + surprise at finding unmistakable fresh footprints of human beings in the + snow, as plain as if only made the preceding day. + </p> + <p> + "They are Esquimaux footprints," said Hatteras. + </p> + <p> + "Do you think so?" asked Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "There is no doubt of it." + </p> + <p> + "But what do you make of this, then?" returned Altamont, pointing to + another footmark repeated in + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + several places. "Do you believe for a minute that was made by an + Esquimaux?" + </p> + <p> + It was incontestably the print of a European boot-nails, sole, and heel + clearly stamped in the snow. There was no room for doubt, and Hatteras + exclaimed in amazement- + </p> + <p> + "Europeans here!" + </p> + <p> + "Evidently," said Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "And yet it is so improbable that we must take a second look before + pronouncing an opinion," said Clawbonny. + </p> + <p> + But the longer he looked, the more apparent became the fact. Hatteras was + chagrined beyond measure. A European here, so near the Pole! + </p> + <p> + The footprints extended for about a quarter of a mile, and then diverged + to the west. Should the travellers follow them further? + </p> + <p> + "No," said Hatteras, "let us go on." + </p> + <p> + He was interrupted by an exclamation from the Doctor, who had just picked + up an object that gave still more convincing proof of European origin. It + was part of a pocket spy-glass! + </p> + <p> + "Well, if we still had any doubts about the footmarks, this settles the + case at once, at any rate," said Clawbonny. + </p> + <p> + "Forward!" exclaimed Hatteras so energetically, that instinctively each + one obeyed, and the march was resumed forthwith. + </p> + <p> + The day wore away, but no further sign of the presence of suspected rivals + was discovered, and they prepared to encamp for the night. + </p> + <p> + The tent was pitched in a ravine for shelter, as the sky was dark and + threatening, and a violent north wind was blowing. + </p> + <p> + "I'm afraid we'll have a bad night," said Johnson. + </p> + <p> + " A pretty noisy one, I expect," replied the Doctor, "but not cold. We had + better take every precaution, and fasten down our tent with good big + stones." + </p> + <p> + "You are right, Mr. Clawbonny. If the hurricane swept away our tent, I + don't know where we should find it again." + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + The tent held fast, but sleep was impossible, for the tempest was let + loose and raged with tremendous violence. + </p> + <p> + "It seems to me," said the Doctor, during a brief lull in the deafening + roar," as if I could hear the sound of collisions between icebergs and + ice-fields. If we were near the sea, I could really believe there was a + general break-up in the ice." + </p> + <p> + "I can't explain the noises any other way," said Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "Can we have reached the coast, I wonder?" asked Hatteras. + </p> + <p> + "It is not impossible," replied Clawbonny. "Listen! Do you hear that + crash? That is certainly the sound of icebergs falling. We cannot be very + far from the ocean." + </p> + <p> + "Well, if it turn out to be so, I shall push right on over the ice- + fields." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, they'll be all broken up after such a storm as this. We shall see + what to-morrow, brings; but all I can say is, if any poor fellows are + wandering about in a night like this, I pity them. + </p> + <p> + The storm lasted for ten hours, and the weary travellers anxiously watched + for the morning. About daybreak its fury seemed to have spent itself, and + Hatteras, accompanied by Bell and Altamont, ventured to leave the tent. + They climbed a hill about three hundred feet high, which commanded a wide + view. But what a metamorphosed region met their gaze! All the ice had + completely vanished, the storm had chased away the winter, and stripped + the soil everywhere of its snow covering. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Three hours afterwards they arrived at the coast, and + shouted simultaneously, "The sea! the sea!"-P.206] + </p> + <p> + But Hatteras scarcely bestowed a glance on surrounding objects; his eager + gaze was bent on the northern horizon, which appeared shrouded in black + mist. + </p> + <p> + "That may very likely be caused by the ocean," suggested Clawbonny. + </p> + <p> + "You are right. The sea must be there," was the reply. + </p> + <p> + "That tint is what we call the <i>blink</i> of open water," said Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "Come on, then, to the sledge at once, and let us get to this unknown + ocean," exclaimed Hatteras. + </p> + <p> + Their few preparations were soon made, and the march resumed. Three hours + afterwards they arrived at the coast, and shouted simultaneously, "The + sea! the sea!" + </p> + <p> + "Ay, and open sea!" added Hatteras. + </p> + <p> + And so it was. The storm had opened wide the Polar Basin, and the loosened + packs were drifting in all directions. The icebergs had weighed anchor, + and were sailing out into the open sea. + </p> + <p> + This new ocean stretched far away out of sight, and not a single island or + continent was visible. + </p> + <p> + On the east and west the coast formed two capes or headlands, which sloped + gently down to the sea. In the centre, a projecting rock formed a small + natural bay, sheltered on three sides, into which a wide river fell, + bearing in its bosom the melted snows of winter. + </p> + <p> + After a careful survey of the coast, Hatteras determined to launch the + sloop that very day, and to unpack the sledge, and get everything on + board. The tent was soon put up, and a comfortable repast prepared. This + important business despatched, work commenced; and all hands were so + expeditious and willing, that by five + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + o'clock nothing more remained to be done. The sloop lay rocking gracefully + in the little bay, and all the cargo was on board except the tent, and + what was required for the night's encampment. + </p> + <p> + The sight of the sloop suggested to Clawbonny the propriety of giving + Altamont's name to the little bay. His proposition to that effect met with + unanimous approval, and the port was forthwith dignified by the title of + Altamont Harbour. + </p> + <p> + According to the Doctor's calculations the travellers were now only 9° + distant from the Pole. They had gone over two hundred miles from Victoria + Bay to Altamont Harbour, and were in latitude 87° 5' and longitude 118° + 35'. + </p> + <p> + <a name="XXI" id="XXI"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XXI. + </h4> + <h4> + THE OPEN SEA. + </h4> + <p> + Next morning by eight o'clock all the remaining effects were on board, and + the preparations for departure completed. But before starting the Doctor + thought he would like to take a last look at the country and see if any + further traces of the presence of strangers could be discovered, for the + mysterious footmarks they had met with were never out of his thoughts. He + climbed to the top of a height which commanded a view of the whole + southern horizon, and took out his pocket telescope. But what was his + astonishment, to find he could see nothing through it, not even + neighbouring objects. He rubbed his eyes and looked again, but with no + better result. Then he began to examine the telescope, the object glass + was gone! + </p> + <p> + The object glass! This explained the whole mystery, foot-prints and all; + and with a shout of surprise he hurried down the hill to impart his + discovery to the wondering companions, who came running towards him, + startled by his loud exclamation, and full of anxiety at his precipitate + descent. + </p> + <p> + "Well, what is the matter now?" said Johnson. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor could hardly speak, he was so out of breath. At last he managed + to gasp out- + </p> + <p> + "The tracks, footmarks, strangers." + </p> + <p> + "What?" said Hatteras, "strangers here?" + </p> + <p> + "No, no, the object glass; the object glass out of my telescope." + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + And he held out his spy-glass for them to look at. + </p> + <p> + "Ah! I see," said Altamont; "it is wanting." + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "But then the footmarks?" + </p> + <p> + "They were ours, friends, just ours," exclaimed the Doctor. "We had lost + ourselves in the fog, and been wandering in a circle." + </p> + <p> + "But the boot-marks," objected Hatteras. + </p> + <p> + "Bell's. He walked about a whole day after he had lost his snow shoes." + </p> + <p> + "So I did," said Bell. + </p> + <p> + The mistake was so evident, that they all laughed heartily, except + Hatteras, though no one was more glad than he at the discovery. + </p> + <p> + A quarter of an hour afterwards the little sloop sailed out of Altamont + Harbour, and commenced her voyage of discovery. The wind was favourable, + but there was little of it, and the weather was positively warm. + </p> + <p> + The sloop was none the worse for the sledge journey. She was in first-rate + trim, and easily managed. Johnson steered, the Doctor, Bell, and the + American leaned back against the cargo, and Hatteras stood at the prow, + his fixed, eager gaze bent steadily on that mysterious point towards which + he felt drawn with irresistible power, like the magnetic needle to the + Pole. He wished to be the first to descry any shore that might come in + sight, and he had every right to the honour. + </p> + <p> + The water of this Polar Sea presented some peculiar features worth + mentioning. In colour it was a faint ultramarine blue, and possessed such + wonderful transparency that one seemed to gaze down into fathomless + depths. These depths were lighted up, no doubt, by some electrical + phenomenon, and so many varieties of living creatures were visible that + the vessel seemed to be sailing over a vast aquarium. + </p> + <p> + Innumerable flocks of birds were flying over the surface of this + marvellous ocean, darkening the sky like thick heavy storm-clouds. + Water-fowl of every description were among them, from the albatross to the + penguin, and all of gigantic proportions. Their cries were absolutely + deafening, and some of them had such + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + immense, wide-spreading wings, that they covered the sloop completely as + they flew over. The Doctor thought himself a good naturalist, but he found + his science greatly at fault, for many a species here was wholly unknown + to any ornithological society. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: And the Doctor leaning over the side of the vessel, could + see the whales and the dolphins, and all the rest of the monsters of the + deep.-P.214] + </p> + <p> + The good little man was equally nonplussed when he looked at the water, + for he saw the most wonderful medusæ, some so large that they looked like + little islands floating about among Brobdignagian sea-weeds. And below the + surface, what a spectacle met the eye! Myriads of fish of every species; + young manati at play with each other; narwhals with their one strong + weapon of defence, like the horn of a unicorn, chasing the timid seals; + whales of every tribe, spouting out columns of water and mucilage, and + filling the air with a peculiar whizzing noise; dolphins, seals, and + walruses; sea-dogs and sea-horses, sea-bears and sea-elephants, quietly + browsing on submarine pastures; and the Doctor could gaze at them all as + easily and clearly as if they were in glass tanks in the Zoological + Gardens. + </p> + <p> + There was a strange supernatural purity about the atmosphere. It seemed + charged to overflowing with oxygen, and had a marvellous power of + exhilaration, producing an almost intoxicating effect on the brain. + </p> + <p> + Towards evening, Hatteras and his companions lost sight of the coast. + Night came on, though the sun remained just above the horizon; but it had + the same influence on animated nature as in temperate zones. Birds, fish, + and all the cetacea disappeared and perfect silence prevailed. + </p> + <p> + Since the departure from Altamont Harbour, the sloop had made one degree + further north. The next day brought no signs of land; there was not even a + speck on the horizon. The wind was still favourable, and the sea pretty + calm. The birds and fishes returned as numerously as on the preceding day, + and the Doctor leaning over the side of the vessel, could see the whales + and the dolphins, and all the rest of the monsters of the deep, gradually + coming up from the clear depths below. On the surface, far as the eye + could reach, nothing was visible except a solitary iceberg here and there, + and a few scattered floes. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, but little ice was met with anywhere. The sloop was ten degrees + above the point of greatest cold, and consequently in the same temperature + as Baffin's Bay and Disko. It was therefore not astonishing that the sea + should be open in these summer months. + </p> + <p> + This is a fact of great practical value, for if ever the whalers can + penetrate north as far as the Polar basin, they may be sure of an + immediate cargo, as this part of the ocean seems the general reservoir of + whales and seals, and every marine species. + </p> + <p> + The day wore on, but still nothing appeared on the horizon. Hatteras never + left the prow of the ship, but stood, glass in hand, eagerly gazing into + the distance with anxious, questioning eyes, and seeking to discover, in + the colour of the water, the shape of the waves, and the breath of the + wind, indications of approaching land. + </p> + <p> + <a name="XXII" id="XXII"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XXII. + </h4> + <h4> + GETTING NEAR THE POLE. + </h4> + <p> + Hour after hour passed away, and still Hatteras persevered in his weary + watch, though his hopes appeared doomed to disappointment. + </p> + <p> + At length, about six in the evening, a dim, hazy, shapeless sort of mist + seemed to rise far away between sea and sky. It was not a cloud, for it + was constantly vanishing, and then reappearing next minute. + </p> + <p> + Hatteras was the first to notice this peculiar phenomenon; but after an + hour's scrutiny through his telescope, he could make nothing of it. + </p> + <p> + All at once, however, some sure indication met his eye, and stretching out + his arm to the horizon, he shouted, in a clear ringing voice-- + </p> + <p> + "Land! land!" + </p> + <p> + His words produced an electrical effect on his companions, and every man + rushed to his side. + </p> + <p> + "I see it, I see it," said Clawbonny. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, yes, so do I! " exclaimed Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "It is a cloud," said Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "Land! land!" repeated Hatteras, in tones of absolute conviction. + </p> + <p> + Even while he spoke the appearance vanished, and when it returned again + the Doctor fancied he caught a gleam of light about the smoke for an + instant. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: "It is a volcano!" he exclaimed.-P.217] + </p> + <p> + "It is a volcano!" he exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + "A volcano?" repeated Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "Undoubtedly." + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + "In so high a latitude?" + </p> + <p> + "Why not? Is not Iceland a volcanic island-indeed, almost made of + volcanoes, one might say?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, has not our famous countryman, James Ross, affirmed the existence + of two active volcanoes, the Erebus and the Terror, on the Southern + Continent, in longitude 170° and latitude 78°? Why, then, should not + volcanoes be found near the North Pole?" + </p> + <p> + "It is possible, certainly," replied Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, now I see it distinctly," exclaimed the Doctor." It is a volcano!" + </p> + <p> + "Let us make right for it then," said Hatteras. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + It was impossible longer to doubt the proximity of the coast. In + twenty-four hours, probably, the bold navigators might hope to set foot on + its untrodden soil. But strange as it was, now that they were so near the + goal of their voyage, no one showed the joy which might have been + expected. Each man sat silent, absorbed in his own thoughts, wondering + what sort of place this Pole must be. The birds seemed to shun it, for + though it was evening, they were all flying towards the south with + outspread wings. Was it, then, so inhospitable, that not so much as a + sea-gull or a ptarmigan could find a shelter? The fish, too, even the + large cetacea, were hastening away through the transparent waters. What + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + could cause this feeling either of repulsion or terror? + </p> + <p> + At last sleep overcame the tired men, and one after another dropped off, + leaving Hatteras to keep watch. + </p> + <p> + He took the helm, and tried his best not to close his eyes, for he grudged + losing precious time; but the slow motion of the vessel rocked him into a + state of such irresistible somnolence that, in spite of himself, he was + soon, like his companions, locked fast in deep slumber. He began to dream, + and imagination brought back all the scenes of his past life. He dreamt of + his ship, the <i>Forward</i>, and of the traitors that had burnt it. Again + he felt all the agonies of disappointment and failure, and forgot his + actual situation. Then the scene changed, and he saw himself at the Pole + unfurling the Union Jack! + </p> + <p> + While memory and fancy were thus busied, an enormous cloud of an olive + tinge had begun to darken sea and sky. A hurricane was at hand. The first + blast of the tempest roused the captain and his companions, and they were + on their feet in an instant, ready to meet it. The sea had risen + tremendously, and the ship was tossing violently up and down on the + billows. Hatteras took the helm again, and kept a firm hold of it, while + Johnson and Bell baled out the water which was constantly dashing over the + ship. + </p> + <p> + It was a difficult matter to preserve the right course, for the thick fog + made it impossible to see more than a few yards off. + </p> + <p> + This sudden tempest might well seem to such excited men, a stern + prohibition against further approach to the Pole; but it needed but a + glance at their resolute faces to know that they would neither yield to + winds nor waves, but go right on to the end. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + For a whole day the struggle lasted, death threatening them each moment; + but about six in the evening, just as the fury of the waves seemed at its + highest pitch, there came a sudden calm. The wind was stilled as if + miraculously, and the sea became smooth as glass. + </p> + <p> + Then came a most extraordinary inexplicable phenomenon. + </p> + <p> + The fog, without dispersing, became strangely luminous, and the sloop + sailed along in a zone of electric light. Mast, sail, and rigging appeared + pencilled in black against the phosphorescent sky with wondrous + distinctness. The men were bathed in light, and their faces shone with a + fiery glow. + </p> + <p> + "The volcano!" exclaimed Hatteras. + </p> + <p> + "Is it possible?" said Bell. + </p> + <p> + "No, no!" replied Clawbonny. "We should be suffocated with its flames so + near." + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps it is the reflection," suggested Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "Not that much even, for then we must be near land, and in that case we + should hear the noise of the eruption." + </p> + <p> + "What is it, then?" asked the captain. + </p> + <p> + "It is a cosmical phenomenon," replied the Doctor, "seldom met hitherto. + If we go on, we shall soon get out of our luminous sphere and be back in + the darkness and tempest again." + </p> + <p> + "Well, let's go on, come what may," said Hatteras. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor was right. Gradually the fog began to lose its light, and then + its transparency, and the howling wind was heard not far off. A few + minutes more, and the little vessel was caught in a violent squall, and + swept back into the cyclone. + </p> + <p> + But the hurricane had fortunately turned a point towards the south, and + left the vessel free to run before the wind straight towards the Pole. + There was imminent danger of her sinking, for she sped along at frenzied + speed, and any sudden collision with rock or iceberg must have inevitably + dashed her to pieces. + </p> + <p> + But not a man on board counselled prudence. They were intoxicated with the + danger, and no speed could be quick enough to satisfy their longing + impatience to reach the unknown. + </p> + <p> + At last they began evidently to near the coast. Strange symptoms were + manifest in the air; the fog suddenly rent like a curtain torn by the + wind; and for an instant, like a flash of lightning, an immense column of + flame was seen on the horizon. + </p> + <p> + "The volcano! the volcano!" was the simultaneous exclamation. + </p> + <p> + But the words had hardly passed their lips before the fantastic vision had + vanished. The wind suddenly changed to south-east, and drove the ship back + again from the land. + </p> + <p> + "Confound it!" said Hatteras; "we weren't three miles from the coast." + </p> + <p> + However, resistance was impossible. All that could be done was to keep + tacking; but every few minutes the little sloop would be thrown on her + side, though she righted herself again immediately obedient to the helm. + </p> + <p> + As Hatteras stood with dishevelled hair, grasping the helm as if welded to + his hand, he seemed the animating soul of the ship. + </p> + <p> + All at once, a fearful sight met his gaze. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely twenty yards in front was a great block of ice coming right + towards them, mounting and falling on the stormy billows, ready to + overturn at any moment and crush them in its descent. + </p> + <p> + But this was not the only danger that threatened the bold navigators. The + iceberg was packed with white bears, huddling close together, and + evidently beside themselves with terror. + </p> + <p> + The iceberg made frightful lurches, sometimes inclining at such a sharp + angle that the animals rolled pell-mell over each other and set up a loud + growling, which mingled with the roar of the elements and made a terrible + concert. + </p> + <p> + For a quarter of an hour, which seemed a whole century, the sloop sailed + on in this formidable company, sometimes a few yards distant and sometimes + near enough to touch. The Greenland dogs trembled for fear, but Duk was + quite imperturbable. At last the iceberg lost ground, and got driven by + the wind further and further away till it disappeared in the fog, only at + intervals betraying its presence by the ominous growls of its equipage. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Mast and sail were torn off, and went flying away through + the darkness like some large white bird.-P.224] + </p> + <p> + The storm now burst forth with redoubled fury. The little barque was + lifted bodily out of the water, and whirled round and round with the most + frightful rapidity. Mast and sail were torn off, and went flying away + through the darkness like some large white bird. A whirlpool began to form + among the waves, drawing down the ship gradually by its irresistible + suction. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + Deeper and deeper she sank, whizzing round at such tremendous speed that + to the poor fellows on board, the water seemed motionless. All five men + stood erect, gazing at each other in speechless terror. But suddenly the + ship rose perpendicularly, her prow went above the edge of the vortex, and + getting out of the centre of attraction by her own velocity, she escaped + at a tangent from the circumference, and was thrown far beyond, swift as a + ball from a cannon's mouth. + </p> + <p> + Altamont, the Doctor, Johnson, and Bell were pitched flat on the planks. + When they got up, Hatteras had disappeared! + </p> + <p> + It was two o'clock in the morning. + </p> + <p> + <a name="XXIII" id="XXIII"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XXIII. + </h4> + <h4> + THE ENGLISH FLAG + </h4> + <p> + For a few seconds they seemed stupefied, and then a cry of "Hatteras!" + broke from every lip. + </p> + <p> + On all sides, nothing was visible but the tempestuous ocean. Duk barked + desperately, and Bell could hardly keep him from leaping into the waves. + </p> + <p> + "Take the helm, Altamont," said the Doctor, "and let us try our utmost to + find our poor captain." + </p> + <p> + Johnson and Bell seized the oars, and rowed about for more than an hour; + but their search was vain- Hatteras was lost! + </p> + <p> + Lost! and so near the Pole, just as he had caught sight of the goal! + </p> + <p> + The Doctor called, and shouted, and fired signals, and Duk made piteous + lamentations; but there was no response. Clawbonny could bear up no + longer; he buried his head in his hands, and fairly wept aloud. + </p> + <p> + At such a distance from the coast, it was impossible Hatteras could reach + it alive, without an oar or even so much as a spar to help him; if ever he + touched the haven of his desire, it would be as a swollen, mutilated + corpse! + </p> + <p> + Longer search was useless, and nothing remained but to resume the route + north. The tempest was dying out, and about five in the morning on the + 11th of July, the wind fell, and the sea gradually became calm. The sky + recovered its polar clearness, and less than three miles away the land + appeared in all its grandeur. + </p> + <p> + The new continent was only an island, or rather a volcano, fixed like a + lighthouse on the North Pole of the world. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Two men in a boat observing a volcano in the distance.] + </p> + <p> + The mountain was in full activity, pouring out a mass of burning stones + and glowing rock. At every fresh eruption there was a convulsive heaving + within, as if some mighty giant were respiring, and the masses ejected + were thrown up high into the air amidst jets of bright flame, streams of + lava rolling down the sides in impetuous torrents. In one part, serpents + of fire seemed writhing and wriggling amongst smoking rocks, and in + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + another the glowing liquid fell in cascades, in the midst of purple + vapour, into a river of fire below, formed of a thousand igneous streams, + which emptied itself into the sea, the waters hissing and seething like a + boiling cauldron. + </p> + <p> + Apparently there was only one crater to the volcano, out of which the + columns of fire issued, streaked with forked lightning. Electricity seemed + to have something to do with this magnificent panorama. + </p> + <p> + Above the panting flames waved an immense plume-shaped cloud of smoke, red + at its base and black at its summit. It rose with incomparable majesty, + and unrolled in thick volumes. + </p> + <p> + The sky was ash-colour to a great height, and it was evident that the + darkness that had prevailed while the tempest lasted, which had seemed + quite inexplicable to the Doctor, was owing to the columns of cinders + overspreading the sun like a thick curtain. He remembered a similar + phenomenon which occurred in the Barbadoes, where the whole island was + plunged in profound obscurity by the mass of cinders ejected from the + crater of Isle St. Vincent. + </p> + <p> + This enormous ignivomous rock in the middle of the sea was six thousand + feet high, just about the altitude of Hecla. + </p> + <p> + It seemed to rise gradually out of the water as the boat got nearer. There + was no trace of vegetation, indeed there was no shore; the rock ran + straight down to the sea. + </p> + <p> + "Can we land?" said the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + "The wind is carrying us right to it," said Altamont. "But I don't see an + inch of land to set our foot upon." + </p> + <p> + "It seems so at this distance," said Johnson; "but we shall be sure to + find some place to run in our boat at, and that is all we want." + </p> + <p> + "Let us go on, then," said Clawbonny, dejectedly. + </p> + <p> + He had no heart now for anything. The North Pole was indeed before his + eyes, but not the man who had discovered it. + </p> + <p> + As they got nearer the island, which was not more than eight or ten miles + in circumference, the navigators noticed a tiny fiord, just large enough + to harbour their boat, and made towards it immediately. They feared their + captain's dead body would meet their eyes on the coast, and yet it seemed + difficult for a corpse to lie on it, for there was no shore, and the sea + broke on steep rocks, which were covered with cinders above watermark. + </p> + <p> + At last the little sloop glided gently into the narrow opening between two + sandbanks just visible above the water, where she would be safe from the + violence of the breakers; but before she could be moored, Duk began + howling and barking again in the most piteous manner, as if calling on the + cruel sea and stony rocks to yield up his lost master. The Doctor tried to + calm him by caresses, but in vain. The faithful beast, as if he would + represent the captain, sprang on shore with a tremendous bound, sending a + cloud of cinders after him. + </p> + <p> + "Duk! Duk!" called Clawbonny. + </p> + <p> + But Duk had already disappeared. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + After the sloop was made fast, they all got out and went after him. + Altamont was just going to climb to the top of a pile of stones, when the + Doctor exclaimed, "Listen!" + </p> + <p> + Duk was barking vehemently some distance off, but his bark seemed full of + grief rather than fury. + </p> + <p> + "Has he come on the track of some animal, do you think? " asked Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "No, no!" said Clawbonny, shuddering. "His bark is too sorrowful; it is + the dog's tear. He has found the body of Hatteras." + </p> + <p> + They all four rushed forward, in spite of the blinding cinder-dust, and + came to the far-end of a fiord, where they discovered the dog barking + round a corpse wrapped in the British flag! + </p> + <p> + "Hatteras! Hatteras!" cried the Doctor, throwing himself on the body of + his friend. But next minute he started up with an indescribable cry, and + shouted, "Alive! alive!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes!" said a feeble voice; "yes, alive at the North Pole, on <i>Queen's + Island</i>." + </p> + <p> + "Hurrah for England!" shouted all with one accord. + </p> + <p> + "And for America!" added Clawbonny, holding out one hand to Hatteras and + the other to Altamont. + </p> + <p> + Duk was not behind with his hurrah, which was worth quite as much as the + others. + </p> + <p> + For a few minutes the joy of recovery of their captain filled all their + hearts, and the poor fellows could not restrain their tears. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor found, on examination, that he was not seriously hurt. The wind + threw him on the coast where landing was perilous work, but, after being + driven back more than once into the sea, the hardy sailor had managed to + scramble on to a rock, and gradually to hoist himself above the waves. + </p> + <p> + Then he must have become insensible, for he remembered nothing more except + rolling himself in his flag. He only awoke to consciousness with the loud + barking and caresses of his faithful Duk. + </p> + <p> + After a little, Hatteras was able to stand up supported by the Doctor, and + tried to get back to the sloop. + </p> + <p> + He kept exclaiming, "The Pole! the North Pole!" + </p> + <p> + "You are happy now?" said his friend. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, happy! And are not you? Isn't it joy to find yourself here! The + ground we tread is round the Pole! The air we breathe is the air that + blows round the Pole! The sea we have crossed is the sea which washes the + Pole! Oh! the North Pole! the North Pole!" + </p> + <p> + He had become quite delirious with excitement, and fever burned in his + veins. His eyes shone with unnatural brilliancy, and his brain seemed on + fire. Perfect rest was what he most needed, for the Doctor found it + impossible to quiet him. + </p> + <p> + A place of encampment must therefore be fixed upon immediately. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Altamont speedily discovered a grotto composed of + rocks.-P.234] + </p> + <p> + Altamont speedily discovered a grotto composed of rocks, which had so + fallen as to form a sort of cave. Johnson and Bell carried in provisions, + and gave the dogs their liberty. + </p> + <p> + About eleven o'clock, breakfast, or rather dinner, was ready, consisting + of pemmican, salt meat, and smoking-hot tea and coffee. + </p> + <p> + But Hatteras would do nothing till the exact position of the island was + ascertained; so the Doctor and Altamont set to work with their + instruments, and found that the exact latitude of the grotto was 89° 59' + 15". The longitude was of little importance, for all the meridians blended + a few hundred feet higher. + </p> + <p> + The 90° of lat. was then only about three quarters of a mile off, or just + about the summit of the volcano. + </p> + <p> + When the result was communicated to Hatteras, he desired that a formal + document might be drawn up to attest the fact, and two copies made, one of + which should be deposited on a cairn on the island. + </p> + <p> + Clawbonny was the scribe, and indited the following document, a copy of + which is now among the archives of the Royal Geographical Society of + London:- + </p> + <p> + "On this 11th day of July, 1861, in North latitude 89° 59' 15" was + discovered <i>Queen's</i> Island at the North Pole, by Captain Hatteras, + Commander of the brig <i>Forward</i> of Liverpool, who signs this, as also + all his companions. + </p> + <p> + "Whoever may find this document is requested to forward it to the + Admiralty. + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + "(Signed) JOHN HATTERAS, Commander + </p> + <p> + of the <i>Forward</i> + </p> + <p> + "DR. CLAWBONNY + </p> + <p> + "ALTAMONT, Commander of the <i>Porpoise</i> + </p> + <p> + "JOHNSON, Boatswain + </p> + <p> + "BELL, Carpenter." + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + "And now, friends, come to table," said the Doctor, merrily. + </p> + <p> + <i>Coming to table</i> was just squatting on the ground. + </p> + <p> + "But who," said Clawbonny, "would not give all the tables and dining-rooms + in the world to dine at 89" 59' and 15" N. lat.?" + </p> + <p> + It was an exciting occasion this first meal at the Pole! What neither + ancients nor moderns, neither Europeans, nor Americans, nor Asiatics had + been able to accomplish was now achieved, and all past sufferings and + perils were forgotten in the glow of success. + </p> + <p> + "But, after all," said Johnson, after toasts to Hatteras and the North + Pole had been enthusiastically drunk, "what is there so very special about + the North Pole? Will you tell me, Mr. Clawbonny?" + </p> + <p> + "Just this, my good Johnson. It is the only point of the globe that is + motionless; all the other points are revolving with extreme rapidity." + </p> + <p> + "But I don't see that we are any more motionless here than at Liverpool." + </p> + <p> + "Because in both cases you are a party concerned, both in the motion and + the rest; but the fact is certain." + </p> + <p> + Clawbonny then went on to describe the diurnal and annual motions of the + earth-the one round its own axis, the extremities of which are the poles, + which is accomplished in twenty-four hours, and the other round the sun, + which takes a whole year. + </p> + <p> + Bell and Johnson listened half incredulously, and + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + couldn't see why the earth could not have been allowed to keep still, till + Altamont informed them that they would then have had neither day nor + night, nor spring, summer, autumn, and winter. + </p> + <p> + "Ay, and worse still," said Clawbonny, "if the motion chanced to be + interrupted, we should fall right into the sun in sixty-four and a half + days." + </p> + <p> + "What! take sixty-four and a half days, to fall?" exclaimed Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, we are ninety-five millions of miles off. But when I say the Pole is + motionless, it is not strictly true; it is only so in comparison with the + rest of the globe, for it has a certain movement of its own, and completes + a circle in about twenty-six thousand years. This comes from the + precession of the equinoxes." + </p> + <p> + A long and learned talk was started on this subject between Altamont and + the Doctor, simplified, however, as much as possible for the benefit of + Bell and Johnson. + </p> + <p> + Hatteras took no part in it, and even when they went on to speculate about + the earth's centre, and discussed several of the theories that had been + advanced respecting it, he seemed not to hear; it was evident his thoughts + were far away. + </p> + <p> + Among other opinions put forth was one in our own days, which greatly + excited Altamont's surprise. It was held that there was an immense opening + at the poles which led into the heart of the earth, and that it was out of + the opening that the light of the <i>Aurora Borealis</i> streamed. This + was gravely stated, and Captain Synness, a countryman of our own, actually + proposed that Sir Humphrey Davy, Humboldt, and Arago should undertake an + expedition through it, but they refused." + </p> + <p> + "And quite right too," said Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "So say I; but you see, my friends, what absurdities imagination has + conjured up about these regions, and how, sooner or later, the simple + reality comes to light." + </p> + <p> + <a name="XXIV" id="XXIV"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XXIV. + </h4> + <h4> + MOUNT HATTERAS. + </h4> + <p> + After this conversation they all made themselves as comfortable as they + could, and lay down to sleep. + </p> + <p> + All, except Hatteras; and why could this extraordinary man not sleep like + the others? + </p> + <p> + Was not the purpose of his life attained now? Had he not realized his most + daring project? Why could he not rest? Indeed, might not one have supposed + that, after the strain his nervous system had undergone, he would long for + rest? + </p> + <p> + But no, he grew more and more excited, and it was not the thought of + returning that so affected him. Was he bent on going farther still? Had + his passion for travel no limits? Was the world too small for him now he + had circumnavigated it. + </p> + <p> + Whatever might be the cause, he could not sleep; yet this first night at + the Pole was clear and calm. The isle was absolutely uninhabited-not a + bird was to be seen in this burning atmosphere, not an animal on these + scoriae-covered rocks, not a fish in these seething waters. Next morning, + when Altamont, and the others awoke, Hatteras was gone. Feeling uneasy at + his absence, they hurried out of the grotto in search of him. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: There he was standing on a rock, gazing fixedly at the top + of the mountain.-P.242] + </p> + <p> + There he was standing on a rock, gazing fixedly at the top of the + mountain. His instruments were in his hand, and he was evidently + calculating the exact longitude and latitude. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor went towards him and spoke, but it was long before he could + rouse him from his absorbing contemplations. At last the captain seemed to + understand, and Clawbonny said, while he examined him with a keen + scrutinizing glance- + </p> + <p> + "Let us go round the island. Here we are, all ready for our last + excursion." + </p> + <p> + "The last!" repeated Hatteras, as if in a dream. "Yes!, the last truly, + but," he added, with more animation, "the most wonderful." + </p> + <p> + He pressed both hands on his brow as he spoke, as if to calm the inward + tumult. + </p> + <p> + Just then Altamont and the others came up, and their appearance seemed to + dispel the hallucinations under which he was labouring. + </p> + <p> + "My friends," he said, in a voice full of emotion, "thanks for your + courage, thanks for your perseverance, thanks for your superhuman efforts, + through which we are permitted to set our feet on this soil." + </p> + <p> + "Captain," said Johnson, "we have only obeyed orders to you alone belongs + the honour." + </p> + <p> + "No, no!" exclaimed Hatteras, with a violent outburst of emotion, "to all + of you as much as to me! To Altamont as much as any of us, as much as the + Doctor himself! Oh, let my heart break in your hands, it cannot contain + its joy and gratitude any longer." + </p> + <p> + He grasped the hands of his brave companions as he spoke, and paced up and + down as if he had lost all self-control. + </p> + <p> + "We have only done our duty as Englishmen," said Bell. + </p> + <p> + "And as friends," added Clawbonny. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, but all did not do it," replied Hatteras "some gave way. However, we + must pardon them-pardon both the traitors and those who were led away by + them. Poor fellows! I forgive them. You hear me, Doctor?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," replied Clawbonny, beginning to be seriously uneasy at his friend's + excitement. + </p> + <p> + "I have no wish, therefore," continued the captain, "that they should lose + the little fortune they came so far to seek. No, the original agreement is + to remain unaltered, and they shall be rich-if they ever see England + again." + </p> + <p> + It would have been difficult not to have been touched by the pathetic tone + of voice in which Hatteras said this. + </p> + <p> + "But, captain," interrupted Johnson, trying to joke, "one would think you + were making your will!" + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps I am," said Hatteras, gravely. + </p> + <p> + "And yet you have a long bright career of glory before you!" + </p> + <p> + "Who knows?" was the reply. + </p> + <p> + No one answered, and the Doctor did not dare to guess his meaning; but + Hatteras soon made them understand it, for presently he said, in a + hurried, agitated manner, as if he could scarcely command himself- + </p> + <p> + "Friends, listen to me. We have done much already, but much yet remains to + be done." + </p> + <p> + His companions heard him with profound astonishment. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," he resumed, "we are close to the Pole, but we are not on it." + </p> + <p> + "How do you make that out," said Altamont. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," replied Hatteras, with vehemence, "I said an Englishman should + plant his foot on the Pole of the world! I said it, and an Englishman + shall." + </p> + <p> + "What!" cried Clawbonny. + </p> + <p> + "We are still 45" from the unknown point," resumed Hatteras, with + increasing animation, "and to that point I shall go." + </p> + <p> + "But it is on the summit of the volcano," said the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + "I shall go." + </p> + <p> + "It is an inaccessible cone!" + </p> + <p> + "I shall go." + </p> + <p> + "But it is a yawning fiery crater!" + </p> + <p> + "I shall go." + </p> + <p> + The tone of absolute determination in which Hatteras pronounced these + words it is impossible to describe. + </p> + <p> + His friends were stupefied, and gazed in terror at the blazing mountain. + </p> + <p> + At last the Doctor recovered himself, and began to urge and entreat + Hatteras to renounce his project. He tried every means his heart dictated, + from humble supplications to friendly threats; but he could gain nothing-a + sort of frenzy had come over the captain, an absolute monomania about the + Pole. + </p> + <p> + Nothing but violent measures would keep him back from destruction, but the + Doctor was unwilling to employ these unless driven to extremity. + </p> + <p> + He trusted, moreover, that physical impossibilities, insuperable obstacles + would bar his further progress, and meantime finding all protestations + were useless, he simply said- + </p> + <p> + "Very well, since you are bent on it, we'll go too." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," replied Hatteras, "half-way up the mountain, but not a step beyond. + You know you have to carry back to England the duplicate of the document + in the cairn--" + </p> + <p> + "Yes; but--" + </p> + <p> + "It is settled," said Hatteras, in an imperious tone; "and since the + prayers of a friend will not suffice, the captain commands." + </p> + <p> + The Doctor did not insist longer, and a few minutes after the little band + set out, accompanied by Duk. + </p> + <p> + It was about eight o'clock when they commenced their difficult ascent; the + sky was splendid, and the thermometer stood at 52°. + </p> + <p> + Hatteras and his dog went first, closely followed by the others. + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid," said Johnson to the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + "No, no, there's nothing to be afraid of; we are here." + </p> + <p> + This singular little island appeared to be of recent formation, and was + evidently the product of successive volcanic eruptions. The rocks were all + lying loose on the top of each other, and it was a marvel how they + preserved their equilibrium. Strictly speaking, the mountain was only a + heap of stones thrown down from a height, and the mass of rocks which + composed the island had evidently come out of the bowels of the earth. + </p> + <p> + The earth, indeed, may be compared to a vast cauldron of spherical form, + in which, under the influence of a central fire, immense quantities of + vapours are generated, which would explode the globe but for the + safety-valves outside. + </p> + <p> + These safety-valves are volcanoes, when one closes another opens; and at + the Poles where the crust of the earth is thinner, owing to its being + flattened, it is not surprising that a volcano should be suddenly formed + by the upheaving of some part of the ocean-bed. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor, while following Hatteras, was closely following all the + peculiarities of the island, and he was further confirmed in his opinion + as to its recent formation by the absence of water. Had it existed for + centuries, the thermal springs would have flowed from its bosom. + </p> + <p> + As they got higher, the ascent became more and more difficult, for the + flanks of the mountain were almost perpendicular, and it required the + utmost care to keep them from falling. Clouds of scoriæ and ashes would + whirl round them repeatedly, threatening them with asphyxia, or torrents + of lava would bar their passage. In parts where these torrents ran + horizontally, the outside had become hardened; while underneath was the + boiling lava, and every step the travellers took had first to be tested + with the iron-tipped staff to avoid being suddenly plunged into the + scalding liquid. + </p> + <p> + At intervals large fragments of red-hot rock were thrown up from the + crater, and burst in the air like bomb-shells, scattering the debris to + enormous distances in all directions. + </p> + <p> + Hatteras, however, climbed up the steepest ascents with surprising + agility, disdaining the help of his staff. + </p> + <p> + He arrived before long at a circular rock, a sort of plateau about ten + feet wide. A river of boiling lava surrounded it, except in one part, + where it forked away to a higher rock, leaving a narrow passage, through + which Hatteras fearlessly passed. + </p> + <p> + Here he stopped, and his companions managed to rejoin him. He seemed to be + measuring with his eye the distance he had yet to get over. Horizontally, + he was not more than two hundred yards from the top of the crater, but + vertically he had nearly three times that distance to traverse. + </p> + <p> + The ascent had occupied three hours already. Hatteras showed no signs of + fatigue, while the others were almost spent. + </p> + <p> + The summit of the volcano appeared inaccessible, and the Doctor determined + at any price to prevent Hatteras from attempting to proceed. He tried + gentle means first, but the captain's excitement was fast becoming + delirium. During their ascent, symptoms of insanity had become more and + more marked, and no one could be surprised who knew anything of his + previous history. + </p> + <p> + "Hatteras," said the Doctor, "it is enough! we cannot go further!" + </p> + <p> + "Stop, then," he replied, in a strangely altered voice; "I am going + higher." + </p> + <p> + "No, it is useless; you are at the Pole already." + </p> + <p> + "No, no! higher, higher!" + </p> + <p> + "My friend, do you know who is speaking to you? It is I, Doctor + Clawbonny." + </p> + <p> + "Higher, higher!" repeated the madman. + </p> + <p> + "Very well, we shall not allow it-that is all." + </p> + <p> + He had hardly uttered the words before Hatteras, by a superhuman effort, + sprang over the boiling lava, and was beyond the reach of his companions. + </p> + <p> + A cry of horror burst from every lip, for they thought the poor captain + must have perished in that fiery gulf; but there he was safe on the other + side, accompanied by his faithful Duk, who would not leave him. + </p> + <p> + He speedily disappeared behind a curtain of smoke, and they heard his + voice growing fainter in the distance, shouting- + </p> + <p> + "To the north! to the north! to the top of Mount Hatteras! Remember Mount + Hatteras!" + </p> + <p> + All pursuit of him was out of the question; it was impossible to leap + across the fiery torrent, and equally impossible to get round it. + Altamont, indeed, was mad enough to make an attempt, and would certainly + have lost his life if the others had not held him back by main force. + </p> + <p> + "Hatteras! Hatteras!" shouted the Doctor, but no response was heard save + the faint bark of Duk. + </p> + <p> + At intervals, however, a glimpse of him could be caught through the clouds + of smoke and showers of ashes. Sometimes his head, sometimes his arm + appeared; then he was out of sight again, and a few minutes later was seen + higher up clinging to the rocks. His size constantly decreased with the + fantastic rapidity of objects rising upwards in the air. In half-an-hour + he was only half his size. + </p> + <p> + The air was full of the deep rumbling noise of the volcano, and the + mountain shook and trembled. From time to time a loud fail was heard + behind, and the travellers would see some enormous rock rebounding from + the heights to engulph itself in the polar basin below. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Hatteras did not even turn once to look back, but marched + straight on, carrying his country's flag attached to his staff.-P.249] + </p> + <p> + Hatteras did not even turn once to look back, but marched straight on, + carrying his country's flag attached to his staff. His terrified friends + watched every movement, and saw him gradually decrease to microscopic + dimensions, while Duk looked no larger than a big rat. + </p> + <p> + Then came a moment of intense anxiety, for the wind beat down on them an + immense sheet of flame, and they could see nothing but the red glare. A + cry of agony escaped the Doctor; but an instant afterwards Hatteras + reappeared, waving his flag. + </p> + <p> + For a whole hour this fearful spectacle went on-an hour of battle with + unsteady loose rocks and quagmires of ashes, where the foolhardy climber + sank up to his waist. Sometimes they saw him hoist himself up by leaning + knees and loins against the rocks in narrow, intricate winding paths, and + sometimes he would be hanging on by both hands to some sharp crag, + swinging to and fro like a withered tuft. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + At last he reached the summit of the mountain, the mouth of the crater. + Here the Doctor hoped the infatuated man would stop, at any rate, and + would, perhaps, recover his senses, and expose himself to no more danger + than the descent involved. + </p> + <p> + Once more he shouted- + </p> + <p> + "Hatteras! Hatteras!" + </p> + <p> + There was such a pathos of entreaty in his tone that Altamont felt moved + to his inmost soul. + </p> + <p> + "I'll save him yet!" he exclaimed; and before Clawbonny could hinder him, + he had cleared with a bound the torrent of fire, and was out of sight + among the rocks. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, Hatteras had mounted a rock which overhung the crater, and stood + waving his flag amidst showers of stones which rained down on him. Duk was + by his side; but the poor beast was growing dizzy in such close proximity + to the abyss. + </p> + <p> + Hatteras balanced his staff in one hand, and with the other sought to find + the precise mathematical point where all the meridians of the globe meet, + the point on which it was his sublime purpose to plant his foot. + </p> + <p> + All at once the rock gave way, and he disappeared. A cry of horror broke + from his companions, and rang to the top of the mountain. Clawbonny + thought his friend had perished, and lay buried for ever in the depths of + the volcano. A second-only a second, though it seemed an age-elapsed, and + there was Altamont and the dog holding the ill-fated Hatteras! Man and dog + had caught him at the very moment when he disappeared in the abyss. + </p> + <p> + Hatteras was saved! Saved in spite of himself; and half-an-hour later be + lay unconscious in the arms of his despairing companions. + </p> + <p> + When he came to himself, the Doctor looked at him in speechless anguish, + for there was no glance of recognition in his eye. It was the eye of a + blind man, who gazes without seeing. + </p> + <p> + "Good heavens!" exclaimed Johnson; "he is blind!" + </p> + <p> + "No," replied Clawbonny, "no! My poor friends, we have only saved the body + of Hatteras; his soul is left behind on the top of the volcano. His reason + is gone!" + </p> + <p> + "Insane!" exclaimed Johnson and Altamont, in consternation. + </p> + <p> + "Insane!" replied the Doctor, and the big tears ran down his cheeks. + </p> + <p> + <a name="XXV" id="XXV"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XXV. + </h4> + <h4> + RETURN SOUTH. + </h4> + <p> + Three hours after this sad <i>dénouement</i> of the adventures of Captain + Hatteras, the whole party were back once more in the grotto. + </p> + <p> + Clawbonny was asked his opinion as to what was best to be done. + </p> + <p> + "Well, friends," he said, "we cannot stay longer in this island; the sea + is open, and we have enough provisions. We ought to start at once, and get + back without the least delay to Fort Providence, where we must winter." + </p> + <p> + "That is my opinion, too," said Altamont. "The wind is favourable, so + to-morrow we will get to sea." + </p> + <p> + The day passed in profound dejection. The insanity of the captain was a + bad omen and when they began to talk over the return voyage, their hearts + failed them for fear. They missed the intrepid spirit of their leader. + </p> + <p> + However, like brave men, they prepared to battle anew with the elements + and with themselves, if ever they felt inclined to give way. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + Next morning they made all ready to sail, and brought the tent and all its + belongings on board. + </p> + <p> + But before leaving these rocks, never to return, the Doctor carrying out + the intentions of Hatteras, had a cairn erected on the very spot where the + poor fellow had jumped ashore. It was made of great blocks placed one on + the top of the other, so as to be a landmark perfectly visible while the + eruptions of the volcano left it undisturbed. On one of the side stones, + Bell chiselled the simple inscription- + </p> + <p> + JOHN HATTERAS. + </p> + <p> + The duplicate of the document attesting the discovery of the North Pole + was enclosed in a tinned iron cylinder, and deposited in the cairn, to + remain as a silent witness among those desert rocks. + </p> + <p> + This done, the four men and the captain, a poor body without a soul, set + out on the return voyage, accompanied by the faithful Duk, who had become + sad and downcast. A new sail was manufactured out of the tent, and about + ten o'clock, the little sloop sailed out before the wind. + </p> + <p> + She made a quick passage, finding abundance of open water. It was + certainly easier to get away from the Pole than to get to it. + </p> + <p> + But Hatteras knew nothing that was passing around him. He lay full length + in the boat, perfectly silent, with lifeless eye and folded arms, and Duk + lying at his feet. Clawbonny frequently addressed him, but could elicit no + reply. + </p> + <p> + On the 15th they sighted Altamont Harbour, but as the sea was open all + along the coast, they determined to go round to Victoria Bay by water, + instead of crossing New America in the sledge. + </p> + <p> + The voyage was easy and rapid. In a week they accomplished what had taken + a fortnight in the sledge, and on the 23rd they cast anchor in Victoria + Bay. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the sloop was made fast, they all hastened to Fort Providence. + But what a scene of devastation met their eyes! Doctor's House, stores, + powder-magazine, fortifications, all had melted away, and the provisions + had been ransacked by devouring animals. + </p> + <p> + The navigators had almost come to the end of their supplies, and had been + reckoning on replenishing their stores at Fort Providence. The + impossibility of wintering there now was evident, and they decided to get + to Baffin's Bay by the shortest route. + </p> + <p> + "We have no alternative," said Clawbonny; "Baffin's Bay is not more than + six hundred miles distant. We can sail as long as there is water enough + under our sloop, and get to Jones' Sound, and then on to the Danish + settlements." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said Altamont; "let us collect what food remains, and be off at + once." + </p> + <p> + After a thorough search, a few cases of pemmican were found scattered here + and there, and two barrels of preserved meat, altogether enough for six + weeks, and a good supply of powder. It was soon collected and brought on + board, and the remainder of the day was employed in caulking the sloop and + putting her in good trim. + </p> + <p> + Next morning they put out once more to sea. The voyage presented no great + difficulties, the drift-ice being easily avoided; but still the Doctor + thought it advisable, in case of possible delays, to limit the rations to + one-half. This was no great hardship, as there was not much work for + anyone to do, and all were in perfect health. + </p> + <p> + Besides, they found a little shooting, and brought down ducks, and geese, + and guillemots, or sea turtledoves. Water they were able to supply + themselves with in abundance, from the fresh-water icebergs they + constantly fell in with as they kept near the coast, not daring to venture + out to the open sea in so frail a barque. + </p> + <p> + At that time of the year, the thermometer was already constantly below + freezing point. The frequent rains changed to snow, and the weather became + gloomy. Each day the sun dipped lower below the horizon, and on the 30th, + for a few minutes, he was out of sight altogether. + </p> + <p> + However, the little sloop sailed steadily on without stopping an instant. + They knew what fatigues and obstacles a land journey involved, if they + should be forced to adopt it, and no time was to be lost, for soon the + open water would harden to firm ground; already the young ice had begun to + form. In these high latitudes there is neither spring nor autumn; winter + follows close on the heels of summer. + </p> + <p> + On the 31st the first stars glimmered overhead, and from that time + forwards there was continual fog, which considerably impeded navigation. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor became very uneasy at these multiplied indications of + approaching winter. He knew the difficulties Sir John Ross had to contend + with after he left his ship to try and reach Baffin's Bay, and how, after + all, he was compelled to return and pass a fourth winter on board. It was + bad enough with shelter and food and fuel, but if any such calamity befell + the survivors of the <i>Forward</i>, if they were obliged to stop or + return, they were lost. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: ] + </p> + <p> + The Doctor said nothing of his anxieties to his companions, but only urged + them to get as far east as possible. + </p> + <p> + At last, after thirty days' tolerably quick sailing, and after battling + for forty-eight hours against the increasing drift ice, and risking the + frail sloop a hundred times, the navigators saw themselves blocked in on + all sides. Further progress was impossible, for the sea was frozen in + every direction, and the thermometer was only 15° above zero. + </p> + <p> + Altamont made a reckoning with scrupulous precision, and found they were + in 77°15' latitude, and 85° 2' longitude. + </p> + <p> + "This is our exact position then," said the Doctor. "We are in South + Lincoln, just at Cape Eden, and are entering Jones' Sound. With a little + more good luck, we should have found open water right to Baffin's Bay. But + we must not grumble. If my poor Hatteras had found as navigable a sea at + first, he would have soon reached the Pole. His men would not have + deserted him, and his brain would not have given way under the pressure of + terrible trial." + </p> + <p> + "I suppose, then," said Altamont, "our only course is to leave the sloop, + and get by sledge to the east coast of Lincoln." + </p> + <p> + "Yes; but I think we should go through Jones' Sound, and get to South + Devon instead of crossing Lincoln." + </p> + <p> + "Why?" + </p> + <p> + "Because the nearer we get to Lancaster Sound, the more chance we have of + meeting whalers." + </p> + <p> + "You are right; but I question whether the ice is firm enough to make it + practicable." + </p> + <p> + "We'll try," replied Clawbonny. + </p> + <p> + The little vessel was unloaded, and the sledge put together again. All the + parts were in good condition, so the next day the dogs were harnessed, and + they started off along the coast to reach the ice-field; but Altamont's + opinion proved right. They could not get through Jones' Sound, and were + obliged to follow the coast to Lincoln. + </p> + <p> + At last, on the 24th, they set foot on North Devon. + </p> + <p> + "Now," said Clawbonny, "we have only to cross this, and get to Cape + Warender at the entrance to Lancaster Sound." + </p> + <p> + But the weather became frightful, and very cold. The snow-storms and + tempests returned with winter violence, and the travellers felt too weak + to contend with them. Their stock of provisions was almost exhausted, and + rations had to be reduced now to a third, that the dogs might have food + enough to keep them in working condition. + </p> + <p> + The nature of the ground added greatly to the fatigue. North Devon is + extremely wild and rugged, and the path across the Trauter mountains is + through difficult gorges. The whole party-men, and dogs, and sledge + alike-were frequently forced to stop, for they could not struggle on + against the fury of the elements. More than once despair crept over the + brave little band, hardy as they were, and used to Polar sufferings. + Though scarcely aware of it themselves, they were completely worn out, + physically and mentally. + </p> + <p> + It was not till the 30th of August that they emerged from these wild + mountains into a plain, which seemed to have been upturned and convulsed + by volcanic action at some distant period. + </p> + <p> + Here it was absolutely necessary to take a few days' rest, for the + travellers could not drag one foot after the other, and two of the dogs + had died from exhaustion. None of the party felt equal to put up the tent, + so they took shelter behind an iceberg. + </p> + <p> + Provisions were now so reduced, that, notwithstanding their scanty + rations, there was only enough left for one week. Starvation stared the + poor fellows in the face. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: "Dead, frozen- -"-P.262] + </p> + <p> + Altamont, who had displayed great unselfishness and devotion to the + others, roused his sinking energies, and determined to go out and find + food for his comrades. + </p> + <p> + He took his gun, called Duk, and went off almost unnoticed by the rest. + </p> + <p> + He had been absent about an hour, and only once during that time had they + heard the report of his gun; and now he was coming back empty- handed, but + running as if terrified. + </p> + <p> + "What is the matter?" asked the Doctor. + </p> + <p> + "Down there, under the snow!" said Altamont, speaking as if scared, and + pointing in a particular direction. + </p> + <p> + "What?" + </p> + <p> + "A whole party of men!" + </p> + <p> + "Alive?" + </p> + <p> + "Dead-frozen-and even-" + </p> + <p> + He did not finish the sentence, but a look of unspeakable horror came over + his face. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor and the others were so roused by this incident, that they + managed to get up and drag themselves after Altamont towards the place he + indicated. + </p> + <p> + They soon arrived, at a narrow part at the bottom of a ravine, and what a + spectacle met their gaze! Dead bodies, already stiff, lay half- buried in + a winding-sheet of snow. A leg visible here, an arm there, and yonder + shrunken hands and rigid faces, stamped with the expression of rage and + despair. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor stooped down to look at them more closely, but instantly + started back pale and agitated, while Duk barked ominously. + </p> + <p> + "Horrible, horrible!" he said. + </p> + <p> + "What is it?" asked Johnson. + </p> + <p> + "Don't you recognize them?" + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean?" + </p> + <p> + "Look and see!" + </p> + <p> + It was evident this ravine had been but recently the scene of a fearful + straggle with cold, and despair, and starvation, for by certain horrible + remains it was manifest that the poor wretches had been feeding on human + flesh, perhaps while still warm and palpitating; and among them the Doctor + recognized Shandon, Pen, and the ill-fated crew of the <i>Forward!</i> + Their strength had failed; provisions had come to an end; their boat had + been broken, perhaps by an avalanche or engulphed in some abyss, and they + could not take advantage of the open sea; or perhaps they had lost their + way in wandering over these unknown continents. Moreover, men who set out + under the excitement of a revolt were not likely to remain long united. + The leader of a rebellion has but a doubtful power, and no doubt Shandon's + authority had been soon cast off. + </p> + <p> + Be that as it might, it was evident the crew had come through agonies of + suffering and despair before this last terrible catastrophe, but the + secret of their miseries is buried with them beneath the polar snows. + </p> + <p> + "Come away! come away!" said the Doctor, dragging his companions from the + scene. Horror gave them momentary strength, and they resumed their march + without stopping a minute longer. + </p> + <p> + <a name="XXVI" id="XXVI"></a> + </p> + <h4> + CHAPTER XXVI. + </h4> + <h4> + CONCLUSION. + </h4> + <p> + It would be useless to enumerate all the misfortunes which befell the + survivors of the expedition. Even the men themselves were never able to + give any detailed narrative of the events which occurred during the week + subsequent to the horrible discovery related in the last chapter. However, + on the 9th of September, by superhuman exertions, they arrived at last at + Cape Horsburg, the extreme point of North Devon. + </p> + <p> + They were absolutely starving. For forty-eight hours they had tasted + nothing, and their last meal had been off the flesh of their last + Esquimaux dog. Bell could go no further, and Johnson felt himself dying. + </p> + <p> + They were on the shore of Baffin's Bay, now half-frozen over; that is to + say, on the road to Europe, and three miles off the waves were dashing + noiselessly on the sharp edges of the ice-field. + </p> + <p> + Here they must wait their chance of a whaler appearing; and for how long? + </p> + <p> + But Heaven pitied the poor fellows, for the very next day Altamont + distinctly perceived a sail on the horizon. Every one knows the torturing + suspense that follows such an appearance, and the agonizing dread lest it + should prove a false hope. The vessel seems alternately to approach and + recede, and too often just at the very moment when the poor castaways + think they are saved, the sail begins to disappear, and is soon out of + sight. + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: Two hours later, after unheard-of exertions, the survivors + of the <i>Forward</i> were picked up by the <i>Hans Christian</i>.-P.266] + </p> + <p> + The Doctor and his companions went through all these experiences. They had + succeeded in reaching the western boundary of the ice-field by carrying + and pushing each other along, and they watched the ship gradually fade + away from view without observing them, in spite of their loud cries for + help. + </p> + <p> + Just then a happy inspiration came to the Doctor. His fertile genius, + which had served him many a time in such good stead, supplied him with one + last idea! + </p> + <p> + A floe driven by the current struck against the icefield, and Clawbonny + exclaimed, pointing to it- + </p> + <p> + "This floe!" + </p> + <p> + His companions could not understand what he meant. + </p> + <p> + "Let us embark on it! let us embark on it!" + </p> + <p> + "Oh! Mr. Clawbonny, Mr. Clawbonny," said Johnson, pressing his hand. + </p> + <p> + Bell, assisted by Altamont, hurried to the sledge, and brought back one of + the poles, which he stuck fast on the ice like a mast, and fastened it + with ropes. The tent was torn up to furnish a sail, and as soon as the + frail raft was ready the poor fellows jumped upon it, and sailed out to + the open sea. + </p> + <p> + Two hours later, after unheard-of exertions, the survivors of the <i>Forward</i> + were picked up by the <i>Hans Christian</i>, a Danish whaler, on her way + to Davis' Straits. They were more like spectres than human beings, and the + sight of their sufferings was enough. It told its own tale; but the + captain received them with such hearty sympathy, and lavished on them such + care and kindness, that he succeeded in keeping them alive. + </p> + <p> + Ten days afterwards, Clawbonny, Johnson, Bell, Altamont, and Captain + Hatteras landed at Korsam, in Zealand, an island belonging to Denmark. + They took the steamer to Kiel, and from there proceeded by Altona and + Hamburg to London, where they arrived on the 13th of the same month, + scarcely recovered after their long sufferings. + </p> + <p> + The first care of Clawbonny was to request the Royal Geographical Society + to receive a communication from him. He was accordingly admitted to the + next + </p> + <p> + [Illustration: -P.267] + </p> + <p> + <i>séance</i>, and one can imagine the astonishment of the learned + assembly and the enthusiastic applause produced by the reading of + Hatteras' document. + </p> + <p> + The English have a passion for geographical discovery, from the lord to + the cockney, from the merchant down to the dock labourer, and the news of + this grand discovery speedily flashed along the telegraph wires, + throughout the length and breadth of the kingdom. Hatteras was lauded as a + martyr by all the newspapers, and every Englishman felt proud of him. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor and his companions had the honour of being presented to the + Queen by the Lord Chancellor, and they were feted and "lionized" in all + quarters. + </p> + <p> + The Government confirmed the names of "Queen's Island," "Mount Hatteras," + and "Altamont Harbour." + </p> + <p> + Altamont would not part from his companions in misery and glory, but + followed them to Liverpool, where they were joyously welcomed back, after + being so long supposed dead and buried beneath the eternal snows. + </p> + <p> + But Dr. Clawbonny would never allow that any honour was due to himself. He + claimed all the merit of the discovery for his unfortunate captain, and in + the narrative of his voyage, published the next year under the auspices of + the Royal Geographical Society, he places John Hatteras on a level with + the most illustrious navigators, and makes him the compeer of all the + brave, daring men who have sacrificed themselves for the progress of + science. + </p> + <p> + The insanity of this poor victim of a sublime passion was of a mild type, + and he lived quietly at Sten Cottage, a private asylum near Liverpool, + where the Doctor himself had placed him. He never spoke, and understood + nothing that was said to him; reason and speech had fled together. The + only tie that connected him with the outside world was his friendship for + Duk, who was allowed to remain with him. + </p> + <p> + For a considerable time the captain had been in the habit of walking in + the garden for hours, accompanied by his faithful dog, who watched him + with sad, wistful eyes, but his promenade was always in one direction in a + particular part of the garden. When he got to the end of this path, he + would stop and begin to walk backwards. If anyone stopped him he would + point with his finger towards a certain part of the sky, but let anyone + attempt to turn him round, and he became angry, while Duk, as if sharing + his master's sentiments, would bark furiously. + </p> + <p> + The Doctor, who often visited his afflicted friend, noticed this strange + proceeding one day, and soon understood the reason of it. He saw how it + was that he paced so constantly in a given direction, as if under the + influence of some magnetic force. + </p> + <p> + This was the secret: John Hatteras invariably walked towards the North. + </p> + <p> + The End. + </p> + <h4> + End of the Voyage Extraordinaire + </h4> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Field of Ice, by Jules Verne + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FIELD OF ICE *** + +***** This file should be named 9618-h.htm or 9618-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/9/6/1/9618/ + +Produced by PG Distributed Proofreaders + +Linked Table of Contents produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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