294, THE WORLD OF ICE.

heard and recognized the words. Immediately two
of them crept in, and striking a light, kindled a lamp,
which revealed the care-worn forms of their lost com-
rades stretched on the ground in their sleeping-bags.
They were almost exhausted for want of food, but
otherwise they were uninjured.

The first congratulations over, the rescue party
immediately proceeded to make arrangements for
passing the night. They were themselves little better
than those whom they had come to save, having per-
formed an uninterrupted march of eighteen hours
without food or drink.

It was touching to see the tears of joy and grati-
tude that filled the eyes of the poor fellows, who had
given themselves up for lost, as they watched the
movements of their comrades while they prepared
food for them; and the broken, fitful conversation
was mingled strangely with alternate touches of fun
and deep feeling, indicating the conflicting emotions
that struggled in their breasts.

“T knowed ye would come, captain ; bless you, sir,”
said Amos Parr, in an unsteady voice.

“Come! Av coorse ye knowed it,” cried O'Riley
energetically. “Och, but don’t be long wid the mate,
darlints, me stummik’s shut up intirely.”

“There won’t be room for us all here, ’m afraid,”
remarked Bolton.

This was true. The hut was constructed to hold
six, and it was impossible that ten could sleep in it,
although they managed to squeeze in.