CHAPTER VIL.

New characters introduced—An old game under novel circumstances—Re-
markable appearances in the sky—O’ Riley mects with a mishap.

UMPS was a remarkably grave and sly character,
and Poker was a wag—an incorrigible wag—
in every sense of the term. Moreover, although they
had an occasional fight, Dumps and Poker were ex-
cellent friends, and great favourites with the crew.
We have not yet introduced these individuals to
our reader, but as they will act a conspicuous part in
the history of the Dolphin’s adventurous career in the
Arctic Regions, we think it right now to present them.
While at Upernavik, Captain Guy had purchased
a team of six good, tough Esquimau dogs, being
desirous of taking them to England, and there present-
ing them to several of his friends who were anxious
to possess specimens of those animals. Two of these
dogs stood out conspicuous from their fellows, not only
in regard to personal appearance, but also in reference
to peculiarities of character. One was pure white,
with a lively expression of countenance, a large shaggy
body, two erect, sharp-pointed ears, and a short pro-
Jection that once had been a tail. Owing to some