"Perhaps they did, but as Fred said they had gone far out on the ice _to the north_, I think it likely they've gone in _that_ direction." "Maybe ye're right, sir, and maybe ye're wrang," answered Saunders, as they returned to the party. As this was the second mate's method of intimating that he _felt_ that he ought to give in (though he didn't give in, and never would give in _absolutely_), the captain felt more confidence in his own opinion. "Now, Meetuck, keep your eyes open," he added, as they resumed their rapid march. After journeying on for a considerable distance, the men were ordered to spread out over the neighbouring ice-fields, in order to multiply the chances of discovering tracks; but there seemed to be some irresistible power of attraction which drew them gradually together again, however earnestly they might try to keep separate. In fact, they were beginning to be affected by the long-continued march and the extremity of the cold. This last was so great that constant motion was absolutely necessary in order to prevent them from freezing. There was no time allowed for rest--life and death were in the scale. Their only hope lay in a continuous and rapid advance, so as to reach the lost men ere they should freeze or die of starvation. "Holo! look 'eer!" shouted Meetuck, as he halted and went down on his knees to examine some marks on the snow. "These are tracks!" cried Captain Guy eagerly. "What think you, Saunders?" "They look like it" "Follow them up, Meetuck. Go in advance, my lad, and let the rest of you scatter again." In a few minutes there was a cry heard, and as the party hastened towards the spot whence it came, they found Davie Summers pointing eagerly to a little snow-hut in the midst of a group of bergs. With hasty steps they advanced towards it, and the captain, with a terrible misgiving at heart, crept in. "Ah! then, is it yerself, darlint?" were the first words that greeted him. A loud cheer from those without told that they heard and recognized the words. Immediately two of them crept in, and striking a light, kindled a lamp, which revealed the care-worn forms of their lost comrades stretched on the ground in their sleeping-bags. They were almost exhausted for want of food, but otherwise they were uninjured. The first congratulations over, the rescue party immediately proceeded to make arrangements for passing the night. They were themselves little better than those whom they had come to save, having performed an uninterrupted march of eighteen hours without food or drink. It was touching to see the tears of joy and gratitude that filled the eyes of the poor fellows, who had given themselves up for lost, as they watched the movements of their comrades while they prepared food for them; and the broken, fitful conversation was mingled strangely with alternate touches of fun and deep feeling, indicating the conflicting emotions that struggled in their breasts.