e
was amiable with most of the sailors and officers on board, only by
instinct, doubtless, he shunned Shandon's society; he also kept up
a grudge against Pen and Foker; he vented his hatred of them by
growling at their approach. But they dare not now attack the captain's
dog--his "familiar," as Clifton called him. On the whole the crew
had plucked up courage again and worked well.

"It seems to me," said James Wall one day to Richard Shandon, "that
our men took the captain's speech seriously; they no longer seem to
be doubtful of success."

"The more fools they!" answered Shandon. "If they reflected, if they
examined the situation, they would see that we are going out of one
imprudence into another."

"But," continued Wall, "the sea is open now, and we are getting back
into well-known tracks; aren't you exaggerating a bit, Shandon?"

"No, I am not exaggerating; the dislike I feel to Hatteras is not
blinding me. Have you seen the coal-holes lately?"

"No," answered Wall.

"Well, then, go and examine them: you will see how much there's left.
He ought to have navigated under sail, and have kept the engine for
currents and contrary winds; he ought only to have used his coal where
he was obliged; who can tell where we shall be kept, and for how many
years? But Hatteras only thinks about getting north. Whether the wind
is contrary or not, he goes along at full steam, and if things go
on as they are doing now, we shall soon be in a pretty pickle."

"If what you say is true, it is very serious."

"Yes, it is, because of the wintering. What shall we do without coal
in a country where even the thermometer freezes?"

"But, if I am not mistaken, the captain counts upon renewing his stock
of coal at Beechey Island. It appears there is a large provision
there."

"And suppose we can't reach Beechey Island, what will become of us
then?"

"You are right, Shandon; Hatteras seems to me very imprudent; but
why don't you expostulate with him on the subject?"

"No," said Shandon, with ill-concealed bitterness, "I won't say a
word. It is nothing to do with me now. I shall wait to see what turns
up; I shall obey orders, and not give my opinion where it isn't
wanted."

"Allow me to tell you that you are in the wrong, Shandon; you have
as much interest in setting yourself against the captain's imprudence
as we have."

"He wouldn't listen to me if I were to speak; do you think he would?"

Wall dared not answer in the affirmat