crossing Lincoln, I propose going through Jones's
Sound on the ice, and reaching North Devon."

"And why?" asked Altamont.

"Because we should get nearer to Lancaster Sound, and have more chance
of meeting whalers."

"You are right, Doctor, but I am afraid the ice is not yet hard
enough."

"We can try," said Clawbonny.

The launch was unloaded; Bell and Johnson put the sledge together; all
its parts were in good condition. The next day the dogs were harnessed
in, and they went along the coast to reach the ice-field.

Then they began again the journey which has been so often described;
it was tiresome and slow; Altamont was right in doubting the strength
of the ice; they could not go through Jones's Sound, and they had to
follow the coast of Lincoln.

August 21st they turned to one side and reached the entrance of
Glacier Sound; then they ventured upon the ice-field, and the next day
they reached Cobourg Island, which they crossed in less than two days
amid snow-squalls. They could advance more easily on the ice-fields,
and at last, August 24th, they set foot on North Devon.

"Now," said the doctor, "we have only to cross this, and reach Cape
Warender, at the entrance of Lancaster Sound."

But the weather became very cold and unpleasant; the snow-squalls
became as violent as in winter; they all found themselves nearly
exhausted. Their provisions were giving out, and each man had but a
third of a ration, in order to allow to the dogs enough food in
proportion to their work.

The nature of the ground added much to the fatigue of the journey;
North Devon was far from level; they had to cross the Trauter
Mountains by almost impassable ravines, struggling against all the
fury of the elements. The sledge, men, and dogs had to rest, and more
than once despair seized the little band, hardened as it was to the
fatigues of a polar journey. But, without their noticing it, these
poor men were nearly worn out, physically and morally; they could not
support such incessant fatigue for eighteen months with impunity, nor
such a succession of hopes and despairs. Besides, it should be borne
in mind that they went forward with enthusiasm and conviction, which
they lacked when returning. So they with difficulty dragged on; they
walked almost from habit, with the animal energy left almost
independent of their will.

It was not until August 30th that they at last left the chaos of
mountains, of which one can form no idea from t