CHAPTER XXUIL

Unexpected arrivals—The rescue party—Lost and found—Return
to the ship.

HE sixth night after the hunting-party had left

the ship, Grim and Fred Ellice suddenly made

their appearance on board. It was quite dark, and

the few of the ship’s company who were able to quit

their berths were seated round the cabin at their
meagre evening meal.

“ Hallo, Fred!” exclaimed Captain Ellice, as his son
staggered rather than walked in and sank down on a
locker. “What's wrong, boy? where are the rest of
you ?”

Fred could not answer; neither he nor Grim was
able to utter a word at first. It was evident that
they laboured under extreme exhaustion and hunger.
A mouthful of hot soup administered by Tom Single-
ton rallied them a little, however.

“Our comrades are lost, I fear.”

“ Lost!” exclaimed Captain Guy. “How so? Speak,
my boy; but hold, take another mouthful before you
speak. Where did you leave them, say you?”

Fred looked at the captain with a vacant stare.

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