To the great relief and joy of all, we were on this day rejoined by our consort the "Discovery," who, like ourselves, had been roughly handled by the tempestuous weather since we lost sight of her in the Atlantic. Expecting to pass over the "Torske" banks, the dredge was prepared, and fishing lines served out; every one busy stretching and fitting their lines, and smacking their lips over an anticipated dinner of fresh cod and halibut. Soundings in thirty fathoms having been obtained on one of these banks, the ship was stopped and permission given to fish. Immediately fifty or sixty fishing lines were over the side; but, although our eager fishermen persevered for a couple of hours, no capture rewarded their patience. The "wily cod" remained sullen at the bottom, and could not even be induced to "nibble." The dredge was also put over, and hauled in with unimportant results, only a few echinoderms being obtained. During the night an iceberg of curious shape was passed. When first seen it was reported as a sail; on approaching it a little nearer it assumed the appearance of a huge column-shaped basaltic rock, and then that of a lighthouse; for some time it was really believed to be the former. On the 4th of July the Arctic circle was crossed. From this date, for some weeks, we were to have continuous day. The nights had for some time past been getting gradually shorter: now they had ceased altogether--candles and lamps were no longer necessary, bright sunlight reigned paramount. Two days afterwards the expedition was safely anchored in the bay of Lievely, off the little Danish settlement of Godhavn. Although small, it is the most important establishment in the Inspectorate of North Greenland, for here resides the Royal Inspector, who controls, with absolute authority, the large mixed population of Danes and Eskimos who inhabit this the most northern civilized land in the world. A salute of nine guns, from a small battery of three diminutive specimens of ordnance, welcomed our arrival, the smoke from which had scarcely blown away before Mr. Krarup Smith, the Inspector, came on board, anxious to offer assistance, and desirous of extending the hospitalities of his house to the members of the expedition. Nothing could be more kind than the reception accorded us by the inhabitants of this little settlement. Their sole desire was to please and aid us in every way, and we were soon firm and fast friends with the innocent and simple-minded residents. FOOTNOTE: [1] See Dr. Rink's "Greenland," p. 79. CHAPTER III. THE GREENLAND SETTLEMENTS. "Behold I see the haven nigh at hand, To which I meane my wearie course to bend; Vere the maine shete and beare up with the land, The which afore is fayrly to be kend, And seemeth safe from stormes that may offend." SPENSER.