the same time, it
was possible that they might find another vessel fast in the ice nearer
at hand, which might afford them shelter. One thing only was certain,
that they must lose no time in making preparations for their journey.
Unhappily, the captain, disheartened by the destruction of his ship, was
incapable of exerting himself. Although a good seaman, he was destitute
of that higher courage which a confidence in God's superintending care
can alone give. He sat in his tent, with his head resting on his hands,
for many hours, gazing toward the wreck, without issuing any orders.
The officers differed from each other as to what was best to be done,
while many of the crew exhibited a mutinous disposition, and assembled
altogether in a tent which they had erected for themselves. Collecting
a quantity of the smaller fragments of the wreck, they made up a large
fire within, around which they sat, cooking some of the provisions which
they had appropriated from the common store.

Archy, from the time of leaving the ship, had kept close to Andrew, and
assisted him in whatever work he was engaged on. While, however, he was
collecting wood at a short distance from the camp, Max came up to him.

"Well, Archy," he said, "I see old Andrew intends to make you work for
him; that's his reason for keeping you by his side. Now, boy, if I were
you I would not be led by the nose. Come and join us. I'll own I had a
hand in getting you into this scrape, and I wish to help you out of it.
I and some of the other men have formed a plan to make our escape, and
it's my opinion that those who remain here will lose their lives. That
can't be helped, you see, for it's impossible that all should be saved,
and as I am your friend I don't wish to leave you behind. Come along
now, we have got a roaring fire inside there, and the fellows will let
you join them if I ask them." Max pointed to the tent of the mutineers.

"I promised to stay by Andrew," said Archy. "Unless he goes I can't
join you."

"I'll see about asking him by-and-bye," said Max.

"What do you propose doing, then?" asked Archy.

"Making off with the boats," answered Max. "It's the only chance we
have of saving our lives, and we shall be sure to reach one of the
Danish places on the coast."

"What, you would not desert old Andrew?" exclaimed Archy.

"Oh, of course not," answered Max, in a tone which made Archy suspect
him, especially when he added, "Mark me, my lad, i