The first thing the next morning, off we all started with the sledge, to commence the work of bringing the things from the wreck. The distance was twelve miles, so that we could at the utmost only take one trip in the day. We were all in good spirits, for we had slept soundly and had enjoyed a good meal; but before long, some of the men began to grumble at the distance. "I don't see why we couldn't have chosen some place nearer the wreck to build our house," said one. "It's a pity the ship weren't driven ashore nearer the bay," cried another. "Now, for my part, I'd rather let the things remain where they are, than have to bring them all this way," exclaimed the worst grumbler of the party. "Or, as I said before, we'd better by half take up our quarters on board," put in one of those who had advocated that measure at first. "Now, let me tell you that you are an ungrateful set of fellows to talk as you do," exclaimed Andrew, who had listened to all that was said. "You saw yourselves that there was not a spot of ground nearer than the place we have chosen fit to winter in; and as to complaining that the ship is no nearer the bay, why, if she had been driven into any other spot than the exact one where she is, she would have been seen by the Esquimaux, and plundered of everything she contains. You'll soon find the want of everything we can get from the wreck; and if any one chooses to winter aboard her, we'll leave him plenty to eat, but if he isn't frozen to death we shall have him back with us before very long, that I know." Most of the party sided with Andrew on this as on other occasions, and the grumblers were silenced. As we were perfectly unencumbered, we advanced at a rapid rate, and in about three hours we got up to the ship. We scrambled up the sides by the chain-plates, and were all soon on deck. "Hillo, who left the companion-hatch open?" exclaimed Terence, who was the first who got aft. No one recollected who could have been guilty of the neglect. "No matter, there's no chance of any one having been here while we were away," cried Terence, as he jumped down the companion-ladder. He had not got down many steps before he sprung up again in a great hurry, with a face of terror, his head shoving back the next man who was following him, and sending him sprawling on deck, while a loud angry growl was heard issuing from the cabin. "Och, murder!" he exclaimed. "There's Davy Jones aboard, as sure as my name's Terence O'Connor." "Shut to the hatch there!" shouted David to some of us who were standing abaft the companion. We drew it over just in time to prevent a white head and a pair of sharp claws covered with shaggy hair from protruding out of the hatchway. At the same moment David, who had a lance in his hand, thrust it down, and again a fierce snarling growl was heard. "Why, mates, we seem to have caught a bear," observed Andrew, who had come aft to see what had happened.