At first the rats proved a capital addition to the dogs' meals, but at length some of the men were glad to eat them, especially when fresh meat failed altogether, and scurvy began its assaults. White or Arctic foxes, too, came about the ship sometimes in great numbers, and proved an acceptable addition to their fresh provisions; but at one period all these sources failed, and the crew were reduced to the utmost extremity, having nothing to eat except salt provisions. Notwithstanding the cheering influence of the sun, the spirits of the men fell as their bodily energies failed. Nearly two-thirds of the ship's company were confined to their berths. The officers retained much of their wonted health and vigour, partly in consequence, no doubt, of their unwearied exertions in behalf of others. They changed places with the men at last, owing to the force of circumstances--ministering to their wants, drawing water, fetching fuel, and cooking their food--carrying out, in short, the divine command, "By love serve one another." During the worst period of their distress a party was formed to go out upon the floes in search of walruses. "If we don't get speedy relief," remarked Captain Guy to Tom Singleton in reference to this party, "some of us will die. I feel certain of that. Poor Buzzby seems on his last legs, and Mivins is reduced to a shadow." The doctor was silent, for the captain's remark was too true. "You must get up your party at once, and set off after breakfast, Mr. Bolton," he added, turning to the first mate. "Who can accompany you?" "There's Peter Grim, sir; he's tough yet, and not much affected by scurvy. And Mr. Saunders, I think, may--" "No," interrupted the doctor, "Saunders must not go. He does not look very ill, and I hope is not, but I don't like some of his symptoms." "Well, doctor, we can do without him. There's Tom Green and O'Riley. Nothing seems able to bring down O'Riley. Then there's--" "There's Fred Ellice," cried Fred himself, joining the group; "I'll go with you if you'll take me." "Most happy to have you, sir. Our healthy hands are very short, but we can muster sufficient, I think." The captain suggested Amos Parr and two or three more men, and then dismissed his first mate to get ready for an immediate start. "I don't half like your going, Fred," said his father. "You've not been well lately, and hunting on the floes, I know from experience, is hard work." "Don't fear for me, father; I've quite recovered from my recent attack, which was but slight after all, and I know full well that those who are well must work as long as they can stand." "Ho, lads! look alive there! are you ready?" shouted the first mate down the hatchway. "Ay, ay, sir," replied Grim, and in a few minutes the party were assembled on the ice beside the small sledge with their shoulder-belts on, for most of the dogs were either dead or dying of that strange complaint to which allusion has been made in a previous chapter.