Polaris_, in the shortest space of time on record,
up to latitude 82 degrees 16 minutes. Captain Nares reached a higher
latitude than had previously been attained by ships, and Captain
Markham, of Captain Nares' expedition, travelled over this very `sea of
ancient ice' with sledges to latitude 83 degrees 20.4 minutes--about 400
miles from the Pole, and the highest yet reached, as I have said. So,
you see, we have beaten them all! Moreover, I strongly incline to the
belief that the open Polar Sea lies just beyond that range of huge
icebergs which we see before us."

The Captain rose as he spoke, and pointed to the gigantic chain, behind
one of which the sun was just about to dip, causing its jagged peaks to
glow as with intense fire.

"But how are we ever to pass that barrier, uncle?" asked Alf, who was by
nature the least sanguine of the party in regard to overcoming
difficulties of a geographical nature, although by far the most
enthusiastic in the effort to acquire knowledge.

"You shall see, to-morrow," answered the Captain; "at present we must
turn in and rest. See, the Eskimos have already set us the example."

CHAPTER NINE.

THE CAPTAIN MAKES A STUPENDOUS EFFORT. DISAPPOINTMENTS AND DISCOVERIES.

Next morning the ice-plain was crossed at a swinging gallop. Indeed,
the dogs were so fresh and frisky after a good rest and a hearty meal
that they ran away more than once, and it became a matter of extreme
difficulty to check them. At last the great chain was reached, and the
party came to an abrupt halt at the base of one of the largest of the
bergs. Captain Vane gazed up at it as Napoleon the First may be
supposed to have gazed at the Alps he had resolved to scale and cross.

The resemblance to alpine scenery was not confined to mere form--such as
towering peaks and mighty precipices--for there were lakelets and ponds
here and there up among the crystal heights, from which rivulets
trickled, streams brawled, and cataracts thundered.

It was evident, however, that the old giant that frowned on them was
verging towards dissolution, for he was honey-combed in all directions.

"Impossible to scale that," said Alf, with a solemn look.

Even Leo's sanguine temperament was dashed for a moment. "We dare not
attempt to cut through it," he said, "for masses are falling about here
and there in a very dangerous fashion."

As he spoke, a tall spire was seen to slip from its position, topple
over, and go cr