ist. By the one
route we shall have an opportunity of surveying the eastern coast of
Greenland, and thus accurately determining much that is at present mere
matter of conjecture; and by the other we shall have an opportunity of
beholding with our own eyes many spots of interest associated with the
researches of former explorers. Now, which is it to be?"

The colonel and Mildmay naturally glanced at Sir Reginald, as an
intimation that he, in his character of founder of the expedition, was
entitled to the first expression of opinion; and, thus appealed to, the
baronet, after a short pause for reflection, replied:

"Well, so far as I am concerned, if I have a preference at all, I think
I am inclined to favour the Baffin's Bay route. I confess I should like
to go over the ground traversed so painfully by former explorers, and
see for myself the nature of the obstacles with which they have had to
grapple. And I should also like to look with my bodily eyes upon the
spots where they sought refuge during the rigours of the Arctic winter,
and those other spots where, the forces of nature finally proving too
great for them, they were reluctantly compelled to abandon further
effort, and, confessing themselves beaten, turn their faces once more
southward. But if either of you happens to have a preference for
another route, I beg that you will say so, uninfluenced by my remarks."

The colonel and Mildmay now looked at each other interrogatively; and at
length the latter said:

"My predilections are naturally in favour of the route proposed by Sir
Reginald, that being the one followed by so many of my distinguished
predecessors in the service. But what says the professor? Which route
does he, as a scientist, think would be the most interesting?"

"Exactly; that, it seems to me, is the point of view from which we ought
to regard the question," exclaimed the baronet and the colonel in a
breath.

"From a purely scientific point of view they would probably prove
equally interesting," answered the professor. "But, taking the other
circumstances into consideration, I am inclined to record my vote in
favour of Sir Reginalds suggestion."

"Then let that decide it," remarked the colonel; "I am sure we shall
have no cause to regret the choice."

The Baffin's Bay route was accordingly agreed upon; and the ship's head
was forthwith laid in a west-north-westerly direction for Cape Farewell.

For the next hour the ship's altitude