THE WORLD OF ICE. 127

work the better health is my experience. Busy men
have no time to git seek.”

“No doubt of it, sir,” said the first mate, bolting a
large mouthful of pork. «N othing so good for ’em as
work.”

“There are two against you, doctor,” said the
captain.

“Then it’s two to two,” eried Fred, as he finished
breakfast ; “for I quite agree with Tom, and with that
excellent proverb which says, ‘ All work and no play
makes Jack a dull boy.’”

The captain shook his head as he said, “Of all the
nuisances I ever met with in a ship a semi-passenger
is the worst. I think, Fred, I must get you bound
apprentice and give you regular work to do, you
good-for-nothing.”

We need scarcely say that the captain jested, for
Fred was possessed of a spirit that cannot rest, so to
speak, unless at work. He was able to do almost
anything after a fashion, and was never idle for a
moment. Even when his hands chanced to be un-
employed, his brows were knitted, busily planning
what to do next.

“Well now, gentlemen,” resumed the eaptain, “let
us consider the order of business. The. first thing
that must be done now is to unstow the hold and
deposit its contents on the small island astern of us,
which we shall call Store Island, for brevity’s sake.
Get a tent pitched there, Mr. Bolton, and bank it up
with snow. You can leave Grim to superintend the