The wind was from the southeast, and the brig,
under foresail, staysail, and topsails, sailed up Baffin's Bay.

That day was exceptionally calm and the crew was able to get some
rest; numerous birds were swimming and flying about the ship; among
others, the doctor noticed some wild birds which were very like teal,
with black neck, wings, and back, and a white breast; they were
continually diving, and often remained more than forty seconds under
water.

This day would not have been marked by any new incident, if the
following extraordinary fact had not taken place.

At six o'clock in the morning, on returning to his cabin after his
watch was over, Richard Shandon found on his table a letter, addressed
as follows:--

_To_ COMMANDER RICHARD SHANDON,
On board the _Forward_,
BAFFIN'S BAY.

[Illustration]

Shandon could not believe his eyes; but before reading it, he summoned
the doctor, James Wall, and the boatswain, and showed them the letter.

"It's getting interesting," said Johnson.

"It's delightful," thought the doctor.

"Well," cried Shandon, "at last we shall know his secret."

He tore open the envelope rapidly, and read the following:--

COMMANDER: The captain of the _Forward_ is satisfied with the
coolness, skill, and courage which the crew, officers, and you,
yourself, have shown of late; he begs of you to express his thanks to
the crew.

Be good enough to sail due north towards Melville Bay, and thence try
to penetrate into Smith's Sound.

K. Z.,
_Captain of the Forward_.

Monday, April 30, OFF CAPE WALSINGHAM.

"And is that all?" cried the doctor.

"That's all," answered Shandon.

The letter fell from his hands.

"Well," said Wall, "this imaginary captain says nothing about coming
on board. I don't believe he ever will."

"But how did this letter get here?" asked Johnson.

Shandon was silent.

"Mr. Wall is right," answered the doctor, who had picked up the
letter, and who was turning it over with hands as well as in his mind.
"The captain won't come on board, and for an excellent reason."

"What is it?" asked Shandon, quickly.

"Because he's on board now," answered the doctor, simply.

"Now!" exclaimed Shandon, "what do you mean?"

"How else can you explain the arrival of this letter?"

Johnson nodded approvingly.

"Impossible!" said Shandon, warmly. "I know all the men in the crew;
can he have smuggled himself into their number since we left? It's
impossible, I tell y