ms, other countries, study the ways of other people; in
a word, it's going where I have never been."

"But more precisely?" cried Shandon.

"More precisely," answered the doctor, "I have understood that it was
bound for the Northern Ocean. Well, good for the North!"

"At any rate," said Shandon, "you know the captain?"

"Not at all! But he's a good fellow, you may depend on it."

The mate and the doctor stepped ashore at Birkenhead; Shandon gave his
companion all the information he had, and the mystery which lay about
it all excited highly the doctor's imagination. The sight of the
_Forward_ enchanted him. From that time he was always with Shandon,
and he came every morning to inspect the hull of the _Forward_.

In addition he was specially intrusted with the providing of the
ship's medicine-chest.

For Clawbonny was a physician, and a good one, although he had never
practised much. At twenty-five he was an ordinary young doctor, at
forty he was a learned man; being known throughout the whole city, he
became a leading member of the Literary and Philosophical Society of
Liverpool. His moderate fortune allowed him to give some advice which
was no less valuable for being without charge; loved as a thoroughly
kind-hearted man must be, he did no harm to any one else nor to
himself; quick and garrulous, if you please, but with his heart in his
hand, and his hand in that of all the world.

When the news of his intended journey on board the _Forward_ became
known in the city, all his friends endeavored to dissuade him, but
they only made him cling more obstinately to his intention; and when
the doctor had absolutely determined on anything, he was a skilful man
who could make him change.

From that day the rumors, conjectures, and apprehensions steadily
increased; but that did not interfere with the launching of the
_Forward_ on the 5th of February, 1860. Two months later she was ready
for sea.

On the 15th of March, as the captain's letter had said, a Danish dog
was sent by rail from Edinburgh to Liverpool, to the address of
Richard Shandon. He seemed morose, timid, and almost wicked; his
expression was very strange. The name of the _Forward_ was engraved on
his collar.

[Illustration]

The commander gave him quarters on board, and sent a letter, with the
news of his arrival, to Leghorn.

Hence, with the exception of the captain, the crew of the _Forward_
was complete. It was composed as follows:--

1. K. Z.,