290 THE WORLD OF ICE,

“Out upon the ice to the north; but, I say, what a
comical dream Pve had!” Here he burst into a loud
laugh. Poor Fred’s head was evidently affected, so
his father and Tom carried him to his berth.

All this time Grim had remained seated on a locker
swaying to and fro like a drunken man, and paying
no attention to the numerous questions that were put
to him by Saunders and his comrades,

“This is bad!” exclaimed Captain Guy, pressing
his hand on his forehead.

“A search must be made,” suggested Captain Ellice.
“It’s evident that the party have broken down out on
the floes, and Fred and Grim have been sent to let us
know.”

“T know it,” answered Captain Guy. “A search
must be made, and that instantly, if it is to be of any
use; but in which direction are we to go is the ques-
tion. These poor fellows cannot tell us. ‘Out on the
ice to the north’ is a wide word—-Fred, Fred, can
you not tell us in which direction we ought to go to
search for them ?”

“Yes, far out on the floes among hummocks
out,” murmured Fred, half unconsciously.

“We must be satisfied with that. Now, Mr. Saun-
ders, assist me to get the small sledge fitted out. VU
go to look after them myself.”

far

 

 

“An’ Ill go with ’ee, sir,’ said the second mate
promptly.

“T fear you are hardly able.”

“No fear o’ me, sir. I’m better than ’ee think.”