ld
us how you intend to cross that amazing barrier which Benjy has
appropriately styled an ice-jumble."

"How, boy?" returned the Captain, who had been gazing eagerly in all
directions while they talked, "it is impossible for me to say how. All
that I can speak of with certainty as to our future movements is, that
the road by which we have come to the top of this cliff will lead us to
the bottom again, where Toolooha is preparing for us an excellent supper
of bear-steaks and tea. One step at a time, lads, is my motto; when
that is taken we shall see clearly how and where to take the next."

A sound sleep was the step which the whole party took after that which
led to the bear-steaks. Then Captain Vane arose, ordered the dogs to be
harnessed to the sledges, and, laying his course due north, steered
straight out upon the sea of ancient ice.

CHAPTER EIGHT.

DIFFICULTIES AND DANGERS INCREASE, AND THE CAPTAIN EXPOUNDS HIS VIEWS.

The first part of the journey over the rugged ice was not so difficult
as had been anticipated, because they found a number of openings--narrow
lanes, as it were--winding between the masses, most of which were wide
enough to permit of the passage of the sledges; and when they chanced to
come on a gap that was too narrow, they easily widened it with their
hatchets and ice-chisels.

There was, however, some danger connected with this process, for some of
the mighty blocks of ice amongst which they moved were piled in such
positions that it only required a few choppings at their base to bring
them down in ruins on their heads. One instance of this kind sufficed
to warn them effectually.

Captain Vane's dog-sledge was leading the way at the time. Leo drove
it, for by that time the Eskimos had taught him how to use the
short-handled whip with the lash full fifteen feet long, and Leo was an
apt pupil in every athletic and manly exercise. Beside him sat the
Captain, Alf, Benjy, and Butterface--the black visage of the latter
absolutely shining with delight at the novelty of the situation. Behind
came the sledge of Chingatok, which, besides being laden with bear-rugs,
sealskins, junks of meat, and a host of indescribable Eskimo implements,
carried himself and the precious persons of Toolooha and Tekkona. Next
came the sledge of the laughter-loving Oolichuk, with the timid Oblooria
and another woman. Then followed the sledges of Ivitchuk and Akeetolik,
laden with the rest of the Eskimo w