ge which was
not to take them farther beyond the icebergs than Tsalal Island."

"That is not so," exclaimed Captain Len Guy. "No! That is not
so. I recruited you all for an enterprise which I have a right to
pursue, so far as I please."

"Beg pardon," said Hearne, coolly, "but we have come to a
point which no navigator has ever yet reached, in a sea, no ship
except the _Jane_ has ever ventured into before us, and therefore my
comrades and I mean to return to the Falklands before the bad
season. From there you can return to Tsalal Island, and even go on
to the Pole, if you so please."

A murmur of approbation greeted his words; no doubt the
sealing-master justly interpreted the sentiments of the majority,
composed of the new recruits. To go against their opinion, to exact
the obedience of these ill-disposed men, and under such conditions
to risk the unknown Antarctic waters, would have been an act of
temerity--or, rather, an act of madness--that would have brought
about some catastrophe.

Nevertheless, West, advancing upon Hearne, said to him in a
threatening tone, "Who gave you leave to speak?"

"The captain questioned us," replied Hearne. "I had a right to
reply."

The man uttered these words with such insolence that West, who was
generally so self-restrained, was about to give free vent to his
wrath, when Captain Len Guy, stopping him by a motion of his hand,
said quietly,--

"Be calm, Jem. Nothing can be done unless we are all agreed. What
is your opinion, Hurtiguerly?"

"It is very clear, captain," replied the boatswain. "I will
obey your orders, whatever they may be! It is our duty not to
forsake William Guy and the others so long as any chance of saving
them remains."

The boatswain paused for a moment, while several of the sailors gave
unequivocal signs of approbation.

"As for what concerns Arthur Pym--"

"There is no question of Arthur Pym," struck in the captain,
"but only of my brother William and his companions."

I saw at this moment that Dirk Peters was about to protest, and
caught hold of his arm. He shook with anger, but kept silence.

The captain continued his questioning of the men, desiring to know
by name all those upon whom he might reckon. The old crew to a man
acquiesced in his proposals, and pledged themselves to obey his
orders implicitly and follow him whithersoever he chose to go.

Three only of the recruits joined those faithful seamen; these were
English sailors. The oth