tudes.

CHAPTER XXII.
IN CAMP.

A little after noon, the iceberg was within a mile of the land.

After their dinner, the crew climbed up to the topmost block, on
which Dirk Peters was stationed. On our approach the half-breed
descended the opposite slope and when I reached the top he was no
longer to be seen.

The land on the north evidently formed a continent or island of
considerable extent. On the west there was a sharply projecting
cape, surmounted by a sloping height which resembled an enormous
seal's head on the side view; then beyond that was a wide stretch
of sea. On the east the land was prolonged out of sight.

Each one of us took in the position. It depended on the
current-whether it would carry the iceberg into an eddy which might
drive it on the coast, or continue to drift it towards the north.
Which was the more admissible hypothesis?

Captain Len Guy, West, Hurliguerly, and I talked over the matter,
while the crew discussed it among themselves. Finally, it was agreed
that the current tended rather to carry the iceberg towards the
northern point of land.

"After all," said Captain Len Guy, "if it is habitable during
the months of the summer season, it does not look like being
inhabited, since we cannot descry a human being on the shore."

"Let us bear in mind, captain," said I, "that the iceberg is
not calculated to attract attention as the _Halbrane_ would have
done."

"Evidently, Mr. Jeorling; and the natives, if there were any,
would have been collected on the beach to see the _Halbrane_
already."

"We must not conclude, captain, because we do not see any
natives--"

"Certainly not, Mr. Jeorling; but you will agree with me that the
aspect of this land is very unlike that of Tsalal Island when the
fane reached it; there is nothing here but desolation and
barrenness."

"I acknowledge that--barrenness and desolation, that is all.
Nevertheless, I want to ask you whether it is your intention to go
ashore, captain?"

"With the boat?"

"With the boat, should the current carry cur iceberg away from the
land."

"We have not an hour to lose, Mr. Jeorling, and the delay of a few
hours might condemn us to a cruel winter stay, if we arrived too
late at the iceberg barrier."

"And, considering the distance, we are not too soon," observed
West.

"I grant it," I replied, still persisting. "But, to leave this
land behind us without ever having set foot on it, without having
made sure t