points; fortunately the moon and great constellations aided the doctor
in determining the route. In order to shorten their way, he resolved
to avoid the sinuosities of the coast, and to go directly across the
land; it was more direct, but less certain; so, after walking for a
few hours, the little band had completely lost its way. They thought
of spending the night in an ice-house and waiting till the next day to
find out where they were, even if they should have to return along the
shore; but the doctor, fearing that Hatteras and Johnson might be
anxious, insisted on their going on.

"Duke is showing us the way," he said, "and he can't be wrong; he has
an instinct which is surer than needle or star. Let us follow him."

Duke went forward, and they all followed confidently. And they were
justified in so doing. Soon a distant light appeared on the horizon;
it was not to be confounded with a star in the low clouds.

"There's our light!" cried the doctor.

"Do you think so, Doctor!" asked the carpenter.

"I'm sure of it. Let us push on."

As they approached the light grew brighter, and soon they enjoyed its
full brilliancy; they advanced in full illumination, and their sharply
cut shadows ran out behind them over the snow. They hastened their
gait, and in about half an hour they were climbing up the steps of
Fort Providence.

[Illustration: "They advanced in full illumination, and their sharply
cut shadows ran out behind them over the snow."]

CHAPTER IX.
COLD AND HEAT.

Hatteras and Johnson had waited for the three hunters with some
uneasiness. When they returned they were delighted to find a warm and
comfortable shelter. That evening the temperature had decidedly
fallen, and the thermometer outside stood at -31 degrees. The three
were very much fatigued and almost frozen, so that they could hardly
drag one foot after the other; fortunately the stoves were drawing
well; the doctor became cook, and roasted a few walrus cutlets. At
nine o'clock they all five sat down before a nourishing supper.

"On my word," said Bell, "at the risk of passing for an Esquimaux, I
will say that food is an important thing in wintering; one ought to
take what one can get."

Each of them having his mouth full, it was impossible for any one to
answer the carpenter at once; but the doctor made a sign that he was
right. The walrus cutlets were declared excellent; or, if they made no
declarations about it, they ate it all up