court barking with delight. One reindeer had died, but the others, though thin, appeared to be in good health.
"Well, madam," said the Lieutenant, "we have got through our troubles better than we could have expected."
"I never despaired," replied the lady. "The miseries of an Arctic winter would not conquer men like you and your companions."
"To own the truth, madam," replied Hobson, "I never experienced such intense cold before, in all the years I have spent in the north; and if it had lasted many days longer we should all have been lost.
"The earthquake came in the nick of time then, not only to drive away the bears, but also to modify the extremity of the cold?"
"Perhaps so, madam. All natural phenomena influence each other to a certain extent. But the volcanic structure of the soil makes me rather uneasy. I cannot but regret the close vicinity of this active volcano. If the lava from it cannot reach us, the earthquakes connected with it can. Just look at our house now!"
"Oh, all that can be put right when the fine weather comes, and you will make it all the stronger for the painful experience you have gained,"
"Of course we shall, but meanwhile I am afraid you won't find it very comfortable."
"Are you speaking to me, Lieutenant 1 to an old traveller like me? I shall imagine myself one of the crew of a small vessel, and now that it does not pitch and toss, I shall have no fear of being sea-sick."
"What you say does not surprise me," replied Hobson; "we all know your grandeur of character, your moral courage and imperturbable good temper. You have done much to help us all to bear our troubles, and I thank you in my own name and that of my men."
"You flatter me. Lieutenant; you flatter me."
"No, no; I only say what every one thinks. But may I ask you one question. You know that next June, Captain Craventy is to send us a convoy with provisions, which will take back our furs to Fort Reliance. I suppose our friend Thomas Black, after having seen his eclipse, will return with the Captain's men. Do you meait to accompany him?"
