286 THE WORLD OF ICE.

They set out silently, but eve they had got a dozen
yards from the ship Captain Guy felt the impropriety
of permitting them thus to depart.

“Up, lads, and give them three cheers!” he cried,
mounting the ship’s side and setting the example.

A hearty, generous spirit, when vigorously displayed

JOD 2

always finds a ready response from human hearts.
The few sailors who were on deck at the time, and
one or two of the sick men who chanced to put their
heads up the hatchway, rushed to the side, waved
their mittens—in default of caps
three hearty British cheers. The effect on the droop-

 

and gave vent to

ing spirits of the hunting-party was electrical. They
pricked up like chargers that had felt the spur, wheeled
round, and returned the cheer with interest. Tt was
an apparently trifling incident, but it served to lighten
the way and make it seem less dreary for many a
long mile.

“Tm tired of it intirely,” cried O’Riley, sitting
down on a hummock, on the evening of the second
day after setting out on the hunt; “here we is, two
days out, an’ not a sign o’ life nowhere.”

“Come, don’t give in,” said Bolton cheerfully; “ we're
sure to fall in with a walrus to-day.”

“T think so,” cried Fred; “we have come so far out
upon the floes that there must be open water near.”

“Come on, then,” cried Peter Grim; “don’t waste
time talking.”

Thus urged O'Riley rose, and throwing his sledge-
strap over his shoulder, plodded on wearily with the rest.