As they drew further south the weather moderated, for which they were thankful. But they had much open water to cross, and this consumed a good deal of time. "I wouldn't mind it, if only we could find something to eat," said Chet. He suffered more from hunger than did any of the others, for he had always been a hearty eater. The next morning there was great excitement among the natives. A musk-ox had been seen, and all were eager for the hunt. "We must get that beast by all means," said Andy. "Think what it means--ox-roast galore!" The trail of the game was readily followed, and about seven o'clock in the evening the hunters came upon a herd of six musk oxen, resting in the shelter of a small hill. They surrounded the game, and succeeded in bringing down three of them. The others were pursued, but managed to get away. "This ends short rations," was Chet's comment, and his eyes brightened wonderfully. What he said was true, and that evening the explorers enjoyed a better meal than they had had for many weeks. The Esquimaux and dogs came in for their full share, and the big meal put even Estankawak in good humor, and he thought no more of deserting them. As they came down into the heart of Ellesmere Land they picked up Mr. Camdal and his party. They shot other game, and so had all the food they could eat, and more. The hunting just suited Barwell Dawson, for, as he told the boys, he was more of a hunter than he was an explorer. "How soon do you suppose we'll reach the _Ice King_?" asked Andy, one day. "If we have luck, we ought to sight the vessel in four or five days." "Will you sail for home at once?" "I think so, Andy. I presume you'll be glad to get back," and Mr. Dawson smiled faintly. "Yes and no," replied the youth. "I won't know what to do after I return. I don't want to live with Uncle Si." "You ought to go on another hunt for those missing papers." "I'll do that, of course." "And even if you can't find them, I'll look into the matter, and see if I can't learn what rights your father had in that timber tract. I'll not have much to do myself for a while. I'll not want to go on another exploring expedition in a hurry." So far, aside from Dr. Slade's attack, there had been but little sickness in the party, but on the next day Barwell Dawson was taken down, and all had to go into camp for three days until he felt better. During that time, Andy and Chet went out hunting, and brought down another polar bear, of which they were justly proud. "It's a great place to hunt," said Andy. "But I don't think I care to come up here again." "Nor I," added Chet. Then he heaved a long sigh. "I wish----" He stopped short. "What, Chet? Were you thinking of your father?" And Andy's voice softened. "Yes, I was. I thought sure, when I came up here, that I'd get some trace of him." "It's too bad. I wish I could help you," answered Andy, and that was all he could say.