n us. We several times had to cut our way
with saws through the ice to get into open water. We were heartily glad
when we were free altogether, and sailing along with a fair wind over
the ocean to the southward, leaving the world of ice astern. However, I
should be ready to go again, and so would most fellows who were with me,
I have a notion."

"That's more than I should, after what I have heard," observed the Count
to the Baron. "I object excessively to take a trip to the North Pole,
wherever else we may go. I have no fancy, either, to be sent to the
bottom by a waterspout."

"Wherever we go we may expect to meet with some danger or other," said
the Baron. "It adds zest to the pleasure of travelling."

"I would rather avoid the zest," said the Count. "But shall we ask
these brave fellows what ship they belong to. Perhaps she's not going
to the North Pole or the Indian Seas on this occasion, and they
evidently form a sturdy crew. Will you speak to them or shall I?"

"I'll address them," said the Baron, and stepping up to the seamen, he
said--

"Brave sailors, I have heard the account your shipmate has been giving
you of his adventures, and as we are desirous of sailing round the
world, we should be glad to take a passage on board the ship to which
you belong."

"Unless you were to chop yourselves up into a good many portions you'd
find that a hard matter, master," answered one of the seamen. "We all
happen, do ye see, to belong to different ships, and some don't belong
to any ship at all, and when we do sail, the chances are we go to as
many parts of the world."

"Then, most gallant sailors, will you have the kindness to inform us
what ship is likely next to sail from this port, and whither is she
bound?" said the Baron.

"As to that, I heard old Jan Dunck, skipper of the galiot _Golden Hog_,
saying that he was about to sail for Amsterdam with the next tide. It
wants but an hour or so to that time, and if you look sharp about it you
may get on board and make your arrangements with him before he trips his
anchor," answered the sailor.

"Thanks, brave sailors, for the information you have afforded us," said
the Baron. "You will confer a further favour if you will show us where
the said galiot _Golden Hog_ lies at anchor. Among this vast fleet of
shipping we should otherwise have considerable difficulty in discovering
her, and my friend Count Funnibos will, I am sure, reward you
handsomely."

"R