ion of it.

"We will soon learn our fate," said the professor. "We should be up to
it in an hour."

In less time than that they were near enough to the white mass to tell
that it was no floe or berg, but the main field of ice, part of that
from which they had been separated.

"I don't know as we'll be much better off when we get there," said Andy.
"There are not dogs enough left to draw the sled, and if we have to walk
back to where the airship is, providing this Esquimaux can find it,
we'll freeze."

"Let us wait until we get to shore before we begin to find new trouble,"
counseled the professor.

In a little while the floating floe bumped up against the main ice
field with a grinding and crashing. No sooner had it touched than the
dogs scampered off, and were soon lost to sight. The Esquimaux did not
seem to worry much over their disappearance. He coolly righted the sled,
having first demolished the temporary tent, and proceeded, unaided, to
haul the vehicle ashore.

"Give him a hand, Washington," said the professor. "He is our friend,
and rendered us good service. We must help him."

Then, while Washington and the native dragged the sled, the others
followed afoot, and in a short time were safe on the main ice.

"Now, the question is," said the inventor, "can our guide take us to the
ship?"

But the Esquimaux guide seemed to be in no dilemma. He gave one look
about, after reaching the main shore, and then, with Washington helping
him pull the sled, started off across the ice.

It was no easy path for the adventurers to follow. There were little
hills and hollows, many rough and few smooth places. Their feet were
weary before they had gone two miles. But the native did not seem to
tire.

"I declare to goodness I'se dat kerflusteredcated dat I can't
extradition myself forward in dis line ob progression de leastest moment
longer!" exclaimed Washington at length, coming to a halt. "I'se
prognosticated in de lower extremities!"

"I suppose he means he's too tired to go any further and his legs ache,"
translated Professor Henderson. "Well, he takes a lot of words, but I
guess his condition is about like that of all of us. I'm tired too."

One after another all admitted that they felt the need of rest. At the
professor's direction they came to a halt under the shelter of an ice
hill, that kept off some of the wind. Here they made some sort of a meal
of the condensed food.

This served to render their fati