e remoter mines, and at sea. As one result of this there crept into
his mind some recognition of what the outcast who lay at rest beside
their feet had had to face--the infinite toil of the march, the black
despair, the blinding snow, and Arctic frost. He met his leader's gaze
with a look of comprehending sympathy.

By what grim efforts and primitive devices their comrade had clung to
life for a time, it seemed probable they would never know, but they
clearly realized that, though some might call it an illegal raid, or
even piracy, it was a work of mercy this outlaw had undertaken when he
was cast away. In the command to swing the boats over and face the
roaring surf in the darkness of the night he had heard the clear call of
duty, and had fearlessly obeyed. His obedience had cost him much, but as
the man who had come so far to search for him looked down upon the
little pile of stones there in the desolate wilderness, there awoke
within him a sure recognition of the fact that this was not the end.
That, at least, was unthinkable. His comrade, putting off the
half-frozen, suffering flesh, had gone on to join the immortals with his
duty done.

It was with warmth at his heart and a slight haziness in his eyes that
Wyllard turned away at length, but when he put on his fur cap again he
was more determined than ever to carry out the search. There were many
perils and difficulties to be faced, but he felt that he must not
flinch.

"One man went inland," he said to Overweg. "I must go that way, too."

The little spectacled scientist looked at him curiously.

"Ah," he replied, "the road your comrade traveled is a hard one. You
have seen what it leads to."

Then Wyllard gave another a glimpse of the emotion that he generally
kept hidden deep in him.

"No," he said, quietly, "the hard road leads further--where we do not
know--but one feels that the full knowledge will not bring sorrow when
it is some day given to those who have the courage to follow."

Overweg waved a hand as he spoke. "It is not the view of the
materialists, but it is conceivable that the materialists may be wrong,"
he responded. "In this case, however, it is the concrete and practical
we have to grapple with, my friend. You say you are going inland to
search for that man, and for a while I go that way, but though I have my
base camp there is the question of provisions if you come with me."

They discussed the matter until Wyllard suggested that he coul