peared to have been a first-class merchantman,
fitted to carry half a dozen passengers; and how such a vessel as this
ever found its way into these northern seas was a mystery. I just
glanced for a moment into these rooms, and saw there trunks and valises,
and all the usual articles of the toilet, mirrors, beds, and bedding,
and all other things expected in a respectable apartment. Then I visited
the captain's room and the mate's; the pantry, store-room, etc.; and all
the supplies and utensils seemed to be abundant and of the best quality.
I tried to find the log-book, but that was missing; and from this I
inferred that the captain had made his escape in safety, taking it with
him. This thought gave me pleasure.

No danger now of my suffering for want of the comforts or luxuries of
life; I could dress elegantly, sleep magnificently, and fare
sumptuously. I selected the captain's room for my private apartment; and
having no luggage to transport, it required but little time for me to
take possession.

The sun had now sunk as near the horizon as it ever did in that region
during the month of July, and what we called evening at home drew near.
I prepared my cup of tea in the cabin, and spread my supper on the
centre-table; then went out to take a little stroll on the deck. I
closed the door of the caboose-house, and, for the sake of appearances,
fastened it; then went up to the bell, and struck the hour, just to
gratify a sentimental feeling that I had. Then I retired to the cabin
for the night; and in order to make it seem snug and cosey, I dropped
the curtains over the windows, and lighted the hanging lamp. Kindling a
fire in the grate, I sat down at the table and tried to read. But
situated as I was, I found it impossible to fix my mind upon the book;
and so I threw myself down upon the lounge to think over what had
happened, and speculate as to the probabilities of the future. It may
seem strange to some persons; but, with all my comforts about me, I felt
more homesick than I did when I was lying on the ice in my bearskin, or
when I was poking about in the bowels of the earth, trying to see how I
could get out. There was nothing to occupy my body; and that, I suppose,
was one reason why my mind worked as it did. At about ten o'clock, I
went to bed, and, after tossing about uneasily for an hour or two,
managed to fall asleep.

When I awoke in the morning, it took me some time to remember where I
was. I thought, at fir