THE WORLD OF ICE. 255

“Why, yes, I have noticed that; but I have a vague
sort of feeling just now that things are not going to
get better. I don’t know whether it’s this long-
continued darkness, or the want of good food, but IT
feel more downcast than I ever was in my life before.”

Bolton’s remark had been intended to cheer, but
Fred’s answer proved that a discussion of the merits
of the question was not likely to have a good effect
on the men, whose spirits were evidently very much
cast down, so he changed the subject.

Fortunately, at that time an incident occurred which
effected the mate’s purpose better than any efforts man
could have made. It has frequently happened that
when Arctic voyagers have, from sickness and long
confinement during a monotonous winter, become so
depressed in spirits that games and amusements of
every kind failed to rouse them from their lethargic
despondency, sudden danger has given to their minds
the needful impulse, and effected a salutary change,
for a time at least, in their spirits. Such was the
case at the present time. The men were so worn
with hard travel and the want of fresh food, and de-
pressed by disappointment and long-continued dark-
ness, that they failed in their attempts to cheer each
other, and at length relapsed into moody silence.
Fred’s thoughts turned constantly to his father, and
he ceased to remark cheerfully, as was his wont, on
passing objects. Even O’Riley’s jests became few and
far between, and at last ceased altogether. Bolton
alone kept up his spirits, and sought to cheer his