"God bless you, my lad!" he cried in a deep voice, "and your expedition too. Right, Captain Marsham, and I beg your pardon. I thought you were going on a risky fowling trip, and it made me angry to think of your taking a lad like that up into yon solitudes. But it will not be dark to you when the sun goes down; there's always a bright light in the hearts of those who go to help others in distress. Now, then, what can I do to help you? For I say God-speed to your trip with all my heart." "Thank you, thank you. Well, you can help me in several ways. As an old ice-goer you can give me many hints. Above all, as a brother-sailor you know the value of a good crew. I have some trusty men, but I want four more--young, strong, hearty, Norway lads, who have been well among the walrus, and who can tackle a whale or a bear." "Then you mean work?" "Certainly. I will not believe my friend is lost, though I am going up yonder; so I make this a pleasure and hunting trip." "So as to pay expenses?" said the Norwegian. "Yes. This special steamer and her fittings mean some thousands of pounds, and I think I may as well reduce the cost all I can." "Of course; and you have called your steamer the _Hvalross_." "Yes; I have used your Norse term for the sea-horse." "The name will make our lads eager to go." "Then you can get me four to go with us?" "You shall have the four finest men who have not already started, sir." "Come, that sounds better," said the little, keen-looking man who had not yet spoken. "May I shake hands with you, Captain Hendal?" "Yes, sir; I like shaking hands with Englishmen," said the big Norwegian, holding out his great palm, the back of which was strangely suggestive of a polar bear's paw; and he laughed as he looked down at the little white hand laid in it, and then gave it a grip which changed its colour. "But you're not a sailor." "I? No, a medical man." "Name?" "Handscombe," said the doctor, smiling. "Got stuff in you, though," said the Norwegian grimly, "or you'd have hallooed when I gave your hand that nip. But why are you going? They won't want a doctor?" "Oh, I don't know; I may be useful. I am a bit scientific though, and want to see what we can discover." "Good," said the Norwegian; "deal to learn up there, sir. Ice, currents, the cold, the storms--and you'll find something beside snow; but you will not find the North Pole." "No," said Dr Handscombe, smiling; "we don't expect that, do we, Steve?" The lad smiled. "Why not, sir? We might, you know." "Yes, my lad, you might," said the Norwegian seriously. "It is more likely to be found by accident than by those who go on purpose. Well, Captain Marsham, I'll see about your men at once. Shall I find you on board by-and-by?" "Yes; I'll stay there till you come."