LONDON
Printed by Simmons and Botten
Shoe Lane, E.C. CHAPTER I. FIRST WORDS OF ALTAMONT
10
CHAPTER III. COLD AND HEAT
88
CHAPTER X. AN ARCTIC SPRING
143
CHAPTER XV. FOOTPRINTS IN THE SNOW
199
CHAPTER XXI. THE OPEN SEA
209
CHAPTER XXII. MOUNT HATTERAS
240
CHAPTER XXV. RETURN SOUTH
253
CHAPTER XXVI. CONCLUSION
264
LIST OF FULL PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS
THE FIELD OF ICE
"Altamont had already swung his hatchet to strike, when he was
arrested by a well known voice"
132--frontispiece. 214
"It is a volcano, he explained." 234
"There he was, standing on a rock, gazing fixedly at the top of
the mountain." CHAPTER I. asked the Doctor. "Yes, Mr. Clawbonny, you are right. We are in a bad plight, and how to get out of it, that is
the question." exclaimed the Doctor. asked the Doctor. "No, Mr. Clawbonny. Stop. That is all that remains of it." "Yes, we have that still, thanks to your idea of taking it with
you." "That isn't much," said the Doctor. "Oh, those base traitors!" exclaimed Johnson. Let us pity our fellow-sufferers,
and not curse them." "We left it about a mile off," was the reply. "Yes, Captain Altamont." said Johnson, as the recital was ended. "Yes, everything goes to prove that. "No." "No." Clawbonny and Bell found Hatteras standing motionless, his arms
folded in his usual fashion. "Come, Bell," he cried, "don't give way like this. Come and help me, Bell. Bell tried to shake off his torpor and help his comrade, while Mr.
Clawbonny undertook to go and fetch the sledge and the dogs. "Will you go with him, captain?" asked Johnson. "No, my friend," said Hatteras, in a gentle tone, "if the
Doctor will kindly undertake the task. Go. "So much the better," said Clawbonny. Johnson and Bell commenced operations immediately. Hatteras alternately paced up and down, and stood motionless,
evidently shrinking from any approach to the scene of explosion. Not a word was spoken by Hatteras,
and the others respected his silence. When the meal was over, the Doctor rose and went out, making a sign
to Johnson to follow. "Very well, you take one side and I'll take the other, and
we'll search from the centre to the circumference." 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. CHAPTER II. FIRST WORDS OF ALTAMONT. said the Doctor. "The fact is
certain, and it is no use thinking over it." "I differ from your opinion," rejoined Hatteras. "That's my belief too," said the Doctor. asked Hatteras. "Yes, captain." Go on, Johnson." Again I thank you, and now let
the subject be dropped. There are four of us, four companions, four friends, and
all our lives are equally precious. "Ask it, then, Johnson." "Perfectly stationary. "Smith's Sound," was the reply. "The same." "Well, captain, now we know our actual situation, we are in a
better position to determine our course of action." asked the Doctor. "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!" "We have only food for three weeks," replied Hatteras, without
raising his head. "Very well," said Johnson, "we must make the journey in three
weeks, since it is our last chance. Mountains and glaciers may bar our
progress," objected Hatteras. "There is only about half a pound of powder left," said Hatteras. "No," said Hatteras, after a little hesitation. "You don't doubt our courage," continued the Doctor. "Well, captain?" asked Johnson after waiting a considerable time
for Hatteras to reply. "No," replied the Doctor, "but there is one thing certain, the
Sound won't come to us, we must go to it. asked Johnson. The route to England is towards
the south, not the north." "Yes," said Bell, "Mr. Clawbonny is right. We must start, and
start at once. asked Hatteras again. "Yes, captain." "And yours, Doctor?" "Yes, Hatteras." asked Johnson. It is necessary, too,
that you should get your strength a little recruited. "My friends," said Hatteras, in almost supplicating tones;
"you are despairing too soon. Nature
is logical in all her doings. "All right," said Bell, and the two had risen to leave the hut,
when Hatteras exclaimed--
"Oh, Johnson! Well, go! I shall stay, I shall stay!" said Johnson, stopping in spite of himself. "I shall stay, I tell you. Come, Duk,
you and I will stay together." "Yes." "Yes." "Yes." 105°, No? 106°, 107°? It is
to the west, I suppose?" "Yes," interrupted the sick man. I will count." "Very good," said Hatteras; "now for the latitude. 80°, 81°, 82°, 83°." exclaimed Hatteras; "you see I was right. Our
salvation lies indeed in the north, always in the north. CHAPTER III. "I see no other course open to us," replied Bell. What do you say, Hatteras?" "Let us make preparations immediately, but perhaps the route may
be longer than we suppose." "How can that be, captain? The man seems quite sure of the
position of his ship," said the Doctor. Mr. Clawbonny, it is a desert, but we shan't die of thirst
in it at any rate." "The horizon is rather misty, though." "That's true enough, but they won't engulph us. This white
sheet over them is pretty tough, I can tell you. "That sounds reassuring, at all events." said Johnson. asked the old sailor, always eager for information. It was difficult to know what to surmise. CHAPTER IV. 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. And at my age, too!" Come, come this minute." "But you must come in, you obstinate fellow. Come, now, I tell
you; it will be too late presently." They were obliged to content
themselves with half a cup of hot coffee, and start off again. At the end of two hours, they sank exhausted. It was hard labour, but at length the task was accomplished. "Yes, about a mile to leeward." "And you never told me, Johnson!" "No, not even a bit of iron!" "Yes, Mr. Clawbonny, he is reckoning on a good feed of human
flesh!" exclaimed the Doctor, grieved at the despairing mood
of his companion. "Johnson, calm yourself!" He is famished like ourselves. There are no seals for him to
eat, and Heaven sends hiim men! So much the better for him, thats all!" said Johnson, as if waking up from some bad dream. "Yes, to-morrow." "I'll make one." "No, but I have mercury." Go to sleep, and wait till the sun
rises." "It is wonderful, Mr. Clawbonny; you ought to be a proud man." "Not at all, my friend, I am only gifted with a good memory, and I
have read a great deal." 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." The captain grasped his hand silently, and the three hunters went
off in quest of their game. cried the Doctor. "We must go right up to him," said Johnson, "that is the only way. "No, I wish to take the risk on myself," said the Doctor. "I am the one to go," said Hatteras, quietly. "No, Johnson, let me go. Besides, I
may possibly need your assistance." "Hatteras," asked the Doctor, "do you mean to walk right up to the bear?" No, Bruin is a
cunning fellow, and we must try and be a match for him." "It is on the sledge." "All right! Let us get back to the hut, and leave Johnson here to watch." "I think I see what you are after, but it is dangerous." "Yes, but there is more chance of success than in trying any other
plan, so I mean to risk it. Come, don't let us lose
time. "Courage, Hatteras!" said the Doctor, handing him the weapon,
which he had carefully loaded meanwhile. said Johnson, in a low voice. He fired, and the huge monster
rolled back on the ice. 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. Hatteras never moved, but waited, knife in hand. He had aimed well,
and fired with a sure and steady aim. "It is my turn now," said Johnson. He felt in the other pockets, but it was not
there. "Quite, Johnson." "Not I!" replied Hatteras. "It has always been in your keeping," said the Doctor. "Well, I have not got it now!" exclaimed Johnson, turning pale. "Look again, Johnson," he said. Hatteras looked at him, but no word of reproach escaped his lips. "It is, indeed!" said Clawbonny. replied Clawbonny, speaking to himself, absorbed in his
own reflections. "Yes, that might do at a pinch! We might
try." asked Hatteras. "We want a lens; well, let us make one." "How?" asked Johnson. "With a piece of ice." "Why not? said Johnson. Bring your hatchet, Johnson." "We cannot be far off now," said Altamont, who could almost
articulate perfectly again; "we must be within forty-eight
hours' march of the Porpoise." repeated Altamont, with a sigh;
"yes, my ship went further than any other has ever ventured." "It is time we started," said Hatteras, abruptly. The dogs were speedily harnessed to the sledge, and the march
resumed. I am here, fortunately." "He said so, but I fancied there was a peculiar smile on his lips
while he spoke." "I hope I may manage it, Johnson." CHAPTER VI. "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." "And quite right too," said Hatteras; "so we'll go ashore
again." "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." of flour, fat, and raisins; 2000 lbs. of salt beef
and pork, 1500 lbs. of pemmican; 700 lbs. echoed Hatteras. "Yes, why not? exclaimed the captain, contemptuously. Clawbonny was prudent enough to make no reply, and presently changed
the conversation by saying--
"Well, now we have seen what we have to depend upon, we must begin
our house and store-rooms. I must
try to make a plan." "Ah! "I'll trust all that to you, Doctor," replied the captain. 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. Every part was as solid as
possible, and what more was wanted? Next morning they set about building the storehouses and powder
magazine. CHAPTER VII. There were many points of resemblance between Altamont and Hatteras,
but no affinities. 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. said Bell. exclaimed Johnson, "'Doctor's House!'" "We cannot do better," chimed in Altamont. "There is that immense sea which surrounds us, unfurrowed as yet
by a single ship." repeated Altamont. "It is not a question of ships, my friends," he said, "but of
a fresh sea." "So be it," said Hatteras. "Very well, that is an understood thing, then," said the Doctor,
almost regretting that he had started a discussion so pregnant with
national rivalries. asked the Doctor, rather
astonished at Altamont's affirmation. Dead, from cold
and hunger." "Come, come, friends," said the Doctor, "don't get to words,
all that can be easily settled. I have given it
a name, and that name it shall keep." inquired the Doctor. "New America," replied Altamont. Johnson and Bell said nothing, though quite as much offended as the
captain by Altamont's imperious tone. It includes all
others. "Come, come," said the Doctor, "no discussion on that subject. interrupted Hatteras, "I have no wish that my name
should figure anywhere on this continent, seeing that it belongs to
America." asked Clawbonny. "It is." "Very well, we'll have it to ourselves then," he continued,
turning to Johnson and Bell. "It is doing me too much honour," replied Bell. "It is simple justice," returned the Doctor. "Nothing could be better," said Altamont. "Your remarks are just," said Altamont; "no name could be more
suitable." "The business is settled then so far," resumed the Doctor. You understand
me, Altamont, and you, Hatteras?" "Yes, a lighthouse. "There is no doubt," replied Altamont, "of its utility; but
how would you contrive to make it?" "With one of the lanterns out of the Porpoise." "All right; but how will you feed your lamp? "Come, Clawbonny, tell us what your light is to be, then," said
Altamont. "That's soon told," replied Clawbonny. "Yes, why not? "Yes." said Johnson; "let us set to work at once." "By all means. It was too cold. It was intensely cold, but dry, and there was little or no wind. "Europeans hunt them for the skin, but the Esquimaux eat them. said Bell. "I think it is," replied the Doctor. of meat to each man a day, or 12
lbs. of fish, or 2 lbs. of pemmican." said Bell. "Not so much as you imagine, my friend. "Things are best as they are, then, Mr. Clawbonny." exclaimed Bell, "what disgusting brutes!" "Happily," said the Doctor. "Not I!" "It rather sickens me, and makes me
loathe the sight of a seal. exclaimed the Doctor. "Be quiet, and let us
get up to him." Clawbonny was right, it was a walrus of huge dimensions, disporting
himself not more than two hundred yards away. "Come," said the Doctor, "let us be off, for it is getting
late. exclaimed the Doctor. said Bell. Come on faster." CHAPTER IX. COLD AND HEAT. 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. Clawbonny donned his official apron
again, and soon had his seal cutlets dressed and smoking on the
table. "Not a bit of it," was the Doctor's reply. "Not at all, friends. I advise you to copy my example. "Of course it is, Altamont, for the hand could not bear more than
122°, but the palate and tongue are less sensitive." "You surprise me." Bell tried to follow his example, but burnt his mouth severely. "You are not used to it," said the Doctor, coolly. exclaimed Altamont. said Bell, with a touch of national
pride. "They would have roasted," returned the Doctor, laughing. asked Johnson. "That varies with the species," replied the Doctor. The mammalia come
next, and human beings. "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. "Just about it. "Rather humiliating to us," put in Altamont. "I can enlighten you on that too," replied the Doctor. So much for Europe." asked Altamont. said the Doctor. "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." "You were stopped, you say?" asked Altamont, looking fixedly at
the captain. So you see, my
friends, we may make ourselves easy." "There is no fear of such a catastrophe; but, even should it
happen, the temperature would be scarcely any different." "It is my turn to-night," said Bell. "Well, pray keep up a good fire, for it is a perishing night." "Trust me for that," said Bell. "But do look out, the sky is
all in a blaze." it is a magnificent aurora," replied the Doctor, going up
to the window. CHAPTER X. Hatteras lolled on his bed absorbed
in thought. But I suppose there is no help for it." "I am afraid not," said the Doctor; "unfortunately we are too
few in number to get up any amusement." "Of course: when whole ships' crews have wintered here, they
have managed to while away the time famously." "No, but they introduced the press and the theatre." exclaimed the American. said Bell. "That they did," said the Doctor. "Curious and amusing too, my good Johnson. "Good titles," said Altamont. Well, you shall judge for yourself." "Here is a letter," he said, "addressed to the editor." "Well, well," said Altamont, "there is a good deal of clever
humour in that writer. "Suppose we start one," said Johnson. exclaimed Clawbonny; "we might do for editors,
but there would not be readers enough." "No, nor spectators enough, if we tried to get up a comedy,"
added Altamont. "Certainly. "Why should we
trouble about the last act, while the first ones are going on well. "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. "You're in a great hurry, old fellow," replied the Doctor. "Why would you sit up, Mr. Clawbonny? "Indeed I am," replied Johnson. CHAPTER XI
TRACES OF BEARS
On the 26th of April during the night there was a sudden change in
the weather. Altamont had charge of the stove, and he found it needed
careful replenishing to preserve the temperature at 50° above zero. asked Bell. said Clawbonny. Here is one footprint, and there is
another quite different. "And other nights before that," replied Altamont. "I don't think so," rejoined Clawbonny. "Well, we can easily find out if they come tonight," said
Altamont. "How?" 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. "But then, why did they stop here last night?" asked Altamont. "We shall soon see," said Altamont. Hatteras and Johnson were informed how matters stood, and it was
resolved to maintain a vigilant watch. Next morning at early dawn, Hatteras and his companions, well armed,
went out to reconnoitre the state of the snow. said Bell. "Behind the icebergs watching us," replied the Doctor. "What about going hunting, then?" asked Altamont. exclaimed Altamont. They are off, and a good riddance. "Softly, softly," said the Doctor; "I'm not so sure they
have gone. "All right," said Clawbonny. "Come along." "Wait till to-morrow," urged the Doctor again. His friend was very unwilling to delay, but yielded the point at
last, and returned to the fort. "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." Johnson and Clawbonny looked at each other, wondering what the
captain was driving at. "I wish," he continued, "to talk with you about our plans for
the future." "All right! talk away while we are alone," said the Doctor. "Have you, captain?" asked Johnson. No one replied, and Hatteras went on to say--
"For my own part, even if I must go alone, I will push on to the
North Pole. What are your views, Doctor?" "Your own, Hatteras." "And yours, Johnson?" "Like the Doctor's." "And yours, Bell?" "Very well, captain, I'll go along with you." "That's right; I never doubted you," said Hatteras. "We
shall succeed, and England will have all the glory." said Johnson. he said, in a stern voice. "We cannot leave him behind," added the Doctor. "And he will be sure to go too." "Yes, he will go too; but who will command?" "You, captain." "He and I must fight it out, then." "By the coast, as far as possible," was the reply. "But what if we find open water, as is likely enough?" "Well, we'll go across it." "But we have no boat." Hatteras did not answer, and looked embarrassed. "Perhaps," suggested Bell, "we might make a ship out of some
of the planks of the Porpoise." exclaimed Hatteras, vehemently. said Johnson. CHAPTER XII
IMPRISONED IN DOCTOR'S HOUSE
The first business next day was to arrange for a hunt. Thus equipped, they could go far, and might count on a good supply
of game. exclaimed Hatteras; "we can defend
ourselves better now. It is five against five." said Johnson in a frightened voice. "How?" "Well, he is in Isle Johnson." "A bad job for him," said Bell. "No, let's be off to find him at once," replied Hatteras. "They are there!" asked Bell. "The whole pack." It
was for him they trembled, not for themselves. "We must get rid of them before he comes," said Hatteras. asked Bell. exclaimed Altamont. echoed Bell. exclaimed the impetuous American. asked Johnson. It was worse than absurd, it was alarming. "It is too bad," said old Johnson, with a mortified look. said Johnson. asked Altamont. "Oh, he'd manage to get us out somehow." "How, pray?" said the American, crossly. However, I know what his
advice just now would be." What do you say, Mr. No one replied, but they seated themselves round the table. "If that is the case," said Altamont, "we must get out at all
risks." "It is the only thing we can do, I suppose," said Altamont. CHAPTER XIII. THE MINE. exclaimed Altamont. "Here, on this side, on the wall of the room." Yes, plain enough," replied Altamont. asked Bell. "They are going to attack us," said Bell. "Well, what of it?" "We shall have a hand-to-hand struggle, that's all." "Ay," said Johnson; "but not with guns. "They are hardly six feet off now," said the boatswain. "Right, Johnson!" Hatteras and the others followed his example, and Johnson took care
to load a gun in case of necessity. Altamont had already swung his hatchet to strike, when he was
arrested by a well-known voice, exclaiming--
"For Heaven's sake, stop!" cried Johnson. "How do ye do, good friends?" he said, picking himself smartly
up. "And is it really you, Mr. said Johnson. "Myself and nobody else, my old fellow. asked Altamont. "Oh, I saw it all. Oh, how anxious I was for you! 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. "But what danger you were in, Mr. Clawbonny," said Bell. No, they imagined themselves sure of a more savoury supper!" "Oh, there is nothing to be proud of. A famous tool it is. asked Bell. was the reply. "Well, certainly, if you found your way in, we can find our way
out by the same road." "No, we must stay here," said Hatteras. "Of course we must," replied Clawbonny, "but we'll get rid
of the bears for all that." "I told you so," said Johnson, rubbing his hands. "All right; and now will you let us have your plan of getting rid
of these comical assailants?" said Johnson. asked Altamont. exclaimed his friend. "In the magazine. inquired Altamont. Bell will begin, and we will lie down and
sleep meantime." "It is a sure one, anyway," said Clawbonny. Well, come, let's begin then." The captain succeeded Altamont, and was followed by Johnson. asked Hatteras, who was standing beside
him. However, we have not a minute
to lose." "No, we shall be too far from the scene of explosion. asked Altamont. "No." "No, that might miss fire." "Well, I give it up!" said the American. "I'll make no more
guesses." exclaimed Johnson. echoed the others, without heeding whether the enemy
heard them or not. "All right," was the reply. CHAPTER XIV. AN ARCTIC SPRING. Next morning there was a singular rise in the temperature, the
thermometer going up to 15° above zero. A few days later, the
rain fell in torrents. The thaw, meanwhile, was making rapid progress. asked Johnson. "No, my friend, I don't; it is a last blow from the cold. "Of course, and without being a wizard. That is the
fact." "In two ways. "Wait, Hatteras, I have one thing more to ask. Hatteras looked surprised, but simply said--
"I do." "No, Hatteras, you have not sacrificed your personal antipathies. "Ah! "Yes, Doctor, yes," replied the captain. "To ruin me. He seems to defy me, and speaks as if he were lord
and master. "Well, let him always remain so." "Why not? I'll undertake the
asking," said Clawbonny. "Of course," replied the American. Hatteras looked fixedly at his rival, but said nothing. "You hear, Bell," said the Doctor, eagerly. Next morning, Altamont Bell and the Doctor repaired to the Porpoise. interrupted Altamont, hotly. exclaimed the American. "I do," said Hatteras, becoming quite excited. "I believe that, don't I?" echoed Altamont, also springing erect. "But these are facts, and it is out of your power to destroy
them!" shouted Hatteras, pale with rage. "My friends!" "Yes, but he did not get through," said Altamont. "Yes, but he went four hundred and seventy miles over
ice-fields," objected Altamont. "No," replied Clawbonny, "for, at the close of the fourth
winter, McClure was obliged to leave her among the ice." If a ship cannot go, a sloop
must." exclaimed Hatteras, discovering a hidden meaning in
the words. "You may easily do that," returned the American. "Keep it and welcome, but keep it to yourself, if you please, for
the future," exclaimed Hatteras. "My right as captain," returned Hatteras, equally angry. "Am I to submit to your orders, then?" Next morning there was a magnificent halo; the monarch of day
appeared surrounded by a luminous circle, radiant with all the
prismatic colours. I declare. cried the Doctor; "stop, you furious hunter. "You say what's true, Clawbonny. replied
Hatteras. Duk could not tell
what to make of it, and stood stupefied. They were charming creatures, so graceful
and gentle, male and female, both adorned with noble antlers,
wide-spreading and deeply-notched. "It proves no human beings have been here before," said Hatteras. "How do you make that out?" "All right. Calm yourself, my brave Nimrod! See, even Duk fraternizes with
them. Believe me, it is well to be kind where we can. Kindness is
power." "Well, well, so be it," said Altamont, not at all understanding
such scruples. "Why not? Next morning, as the fine weather still continued, the hunters
determined to have another search for the musk ox. "Oh, no, it is 'a fair field now and no favour,'" returned
Clawbonny. exclaimed the Doctor, in despairing accents. However, he had hardly
time to think about it, before Altamont was at his side. However, his action was prompt, whatever his feeling might be. "You saved mine," replied the American. "No, indeed," said the Doctor. "He is a man, every inch as
much as yourself, Hatteras." "And like me, he shall have part in the glory that awaits us." asked Altamont. "I guessed right, then," said Altamont. Oh! Altamont hesitated. "Come, speak out, man," urged the Doctor. No, I had no such grand purpose in view. I was trying to
clear the North-West Passage, and that was all." "Ah! "Yes, Mr. Clawbonny." "Well, I bring back two brothers." Snow, and rain, and
tempest came in quick succession for several days. CHAPTER XIX. "But for all that," he said, "the water has no business to wet
us here. 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
[Illustration: ]
could count upon. 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. On all sides nothing could be heard but the noise of cracking ice
and falling avalanches. FOOTPRINTS IN THE SNOW. 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. said Clawbonny, as he saw them make a sudden halt,
and stoop down as if examining the ground. "Perhaps they have come on the tracks of animals," suggested
Hatteras. "No," said Clawbonny, "it can't be that." "Well, it is quite evident they are examining some sort of
marks." "They are Esquimaux footprints," said Hatteras. asked Altamont. "There is no doubt of it." "But what do you make of this, then?" "Evidently," said Johnson. A European here, so near the
Pole! "No," said Hatteras, "let us go on." exclaimed Hatteras so energetically, that
instinctively each one obeyed, and the march was resumed forthwith. "A pretty noisy one, I expect," replied the Doctor, "but not
cold. "Can we have reached the coast, I wonder?" asked Hatteras. "It is not impossible," replied Clawbonny. "Oh, they'll be all broken up after such a storm as this. The sea must be there," was the reply. Their few preparations were soon made, and the march resumed. "Ay, and open sea!" And so it was. CHAPTER XXI. THE OPEN SEA. Next morning by eight o'clock all the remaining effects were on
board, and the preparations for departure completed. "Well, what is the matter now?" said Johnson. "No, no, the object glass; the object glass out of my telescope." "Ah! I see," said Altamont; "it is wanting." "Yes." "They were ours, friends, just ours," exclaimed the Doctor. "We had lost ourselves in the fog, and been wandering in a
circle." "But the boot-marks," objected Hatteras. "Bell's. "So I did," said Bell. Indeed, but little ice was met with anywhere. CHAPTER XXII. 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---
"Land! "I see it, I see it," said Clawbonny. "Yes, yes, so do I!" exclaimed Johnson. repeated Hatteras, in tones of absolute conviction. repeated Altamont. "Undoubtedly." "Why not? "It is possible, certainly," replied Altamont. "Ah, now I see it distinctly," exclaimed the Doctor." "Let us make right for it then," said Hatteras. The men were bathed in light, and their
faces shone with a fiery glow. exclaimed Hatteras. said Bell. "No, no!" replied Clawbonny. "Perhaps it is the reflection," suggested Altamont. "What is it, then?" asked the captain. "Well, let's go on, come what may," said Hatteras. They were intoxicated
with the danger, and no speed could be quick enough to satisfy their
longing impatience to reach the unknown. However, resistance was impossible. All at once, a fearful sight met his gaze. All
five men stood erect, gazing at each other in speechless terror. CHAPTER XXIII. On all sides, nothing was visible but the tempestuous ocean. Johnson and Bell seized the oars, and rowed about for more than an
hour; but their search was vain--Hatteras was lost! Clawbonny could
bear up no longer; he buried his head in his hands, and fairly wept
aloud. It rose with
incomparable majesty, and unrolled in thick volumes. said the Doctor. "The wind is carrying us right to it," said Altamont. asked
Johnson. "No, no!" said Clawbonny, shuddering. He has found the body of
Hatteras." cried the Doctor, throwing himself on the
body of his friend. Duk was not behind with his hurrah, which was worth quite as much as
the others. After a little, Hatteras was able to stand up supported by the
Doctor, and tried to get back to the sloop. He kept exclaiming, "The Pole! "Yes, happy! Oh! Perfect rest was what he most needed, for the Doctor
found it impossible to quiet him. Johnson and Bell carried in
provisions, and gave the dogs their liberty. was then only about three quarters of a mile off,
or just about the summit of the volcano. 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:--
"On this 11th day of July, 1861, in North latitude 89° 59'
15" was discovered Queen's Island at the North Pole, by Captain
Hatteras, Commander of the brig Forward of Liverpool, who signs
this, as also all his companions. "And now, friends, come to table," said the Doctor, merrily. lat.?" Will you tell me, Mr. "Just this, my good Johnson. 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. "Yes, we are ninety-five millions of miles off. "And quite right too," said Altamont. CHAPTER XXIV. MOUNT HATTERAS. All, except Hatteras; and why could this extraordinary man not sleep
like the others? But no, he grew more and more excited, and it was not the thought of
returning that so affected him. 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. Here we are, all ready for our last
excursion." repeated Hatteras, as if in a dream. "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." "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! "We have only done our duty as Englishmen," said Bell. "And as friends," added Clawbonny. "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. I forgive them. You hear
me, Doctor?" "Perhaps I am," said Hatteras, gravely. was the reply. We have done much already, but much yet
remains to be done." "Yes," he resumed, "we are close to the Pole, but we are not
on it." "How do you make that out," said Altamont. I said it, and an
Englishman shall." cried Clawbonny. "I shall go." "I shall go." "I shall go." His friends were stupefied, and gazed in terror at the blazing
mountain. Hatteras and his dog went first, closely followed by the others. "I am afraid," said Johnson to the Doctor. "No, no, there's nothing to be afraid of; we are here." The
rocks were all lying loose on the top of each other, and it was a
marvel how they preserved their equilibrium. Here he stopped, and his companions managed to rejoin him. "Hatteras," said the Doctor, "it is enough! "No, it is useless; you are at the Pole already." "No, no! higher, higher!" "My friend, do you know who is speaking to you? It is I, Doctor
Clawbonny." "Higher, higher!" "Very well, we shall not allow it--that is all." shouted the Doctor, but no response was
heard save the faint bark of Duk. All at once the rock gave way, and he disappeared. Clawbonny thought his friend had perished, and lay buried for ever
in the depths of the volcano. It was
the eye of a blind man, who gazes without seeing. exclaimed Johnson; "he is blind!" "No," replied Clawbonny, "no! exclaimed Johnson and Altamont, in consternation. replied the Doctor, and the big tears ran down his
cheeks. CHAPTER XXV. RETURN SOUTH. Clawbonny was asked his opinion as to what was best to be done. "That is my opinion, too," said Altamont. "The wind is
favourable, so to-morrow we will get to sea." Clawbonny frequently addressed him,
but could elicit no reply. "Yes," said Altamont; "let us collect what food remains, and
be off at once." Next morning they put out once more to sea. "This is our exact position then," said the Doctor. "We'll try," replied Clawbonny. At last, on the 24th, they set foot on North Devon. But the weather became frightful, and very cold. asked the Doctor. "Down there, under the snow!" "Horrible, horrible!" he said. "What is it?" asked Johnson. said the Doctor, dragging his companions
from the scene. CHAPTER XXVI. CONCLUSION. They were absolutely starving. Bell could go no further, and Johnson felt himself
dying. 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. Mr. Clawbonny, Mr. Clawbonny," said Johnson, pressing his
hand. They were more like spectres than human
beings, and the sight of their sufferings was enough. The End.