uriated in more warmth than they had enjoyed for
a long time; some pemmican, a few biscuits, and several cups of coffee
soon put them in good-humor, especially when their hopes had been so
unexpectedly lighted up. At seven in the morning they resumed work,
and finished it at three in the afternoon. It was already growing
dark. Since January 31st the sun had appeared above the horizon, but
it gave only a pale and brief light; fortunately the moon would rise
at half past six, and with this clear sky it would make their path
plain. The temperature, which had been growing lower for several days,
fell at last to -33 degrees.

The time for leaving came. Altamont received the order with joy,
although the jolting of the sledge would increase his sufferings; he
told the doctor that medicine against the scurvy would be found on
board of the _Porpoise_. He was carried to the sledge and placed there
as comfortably as possible; the dogs, including Duke, were harnessed
in; the travellers cast one last glance at the spot where the
_Forward_ had lain. A glow of rage passed over Hatteras's face, but he
controlled it at once, and the little band set out with the air very
dry at first, although soon a mist came over them.

[Illustration]

Each one took his accustomed place, Bell ahead pointing out the way,
the doctor and Johnson by the sides of the sledge, watching and
lending their aid when it was necessary, and Hatteras behind,
correcting the line of march.

They went along tolerably quickly; now that the temperature was so
low, the ice was hard and smooth for travel; the five dogs easily drew
the sledge, which weighed hardly more than nine hundred pounds. Still,
men and beasts panted heavily, and often they had to stop to take
breath.

Towards seven o'clock in the evening, the moon peered through mist on
the horizon. Its rays threw out a light which was reflected from the
ice; towards the northwest the ice-field looked like a perfectly
smooth plain; not a hummock was to be seen. This part of the sea
seemed to have frozen smooth like a lake.

It was an immense, monotonous desert.

Such was the impression that this spectacle made on the doctor's mind,
and he spoke of it to his companion.

"You are right, Doctor," answered Johnson; "it is a desert, but we
need not fear dying of thirst."

"A decided advantage," continued the doctor; "still, this immensity
proves one thing to me, and that is that we are far distant from any
lan