Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1910-03-25
CHAPTER II.


starting. The sledge and the boat were
visions and spirits, and heaps of wood,
to obtain which they had hewed the
brig down to her water line. The last
day the men ran riot. They complete
ly sacked the ship, and In a drunken
paroxysm Pen and two or three others
set 1t on fire. l fought and struggled
against them, but they threw me down
and assailed me with blows, and then
the witches. headed by Shandon. went
Off towards the east, and were soon
out of sight
Il found myself alone on the burning
ship, and what could I do? The fire
hole was completely blocked up with
Ice. had not a single drop Of water?
For two days the Forward struggled
with the flames, and you know the
rest"
A long silence followed the gloomy
recital, broken at length by Hatteras,
who said:
johnson, thank you; you did all
you could to save my ship, but single
handed you could not resist. Again l
thank you, and now let the subject be
dropped. Let us unite efforts for our
common salvation. There are four OF
US. four companions, four friends, and
all our lives are equally precious.
I'VE are all devoted to you," said
the doctor; and your words come from
our hearts. But what do you think we
should do?"
My opinion might appear interest
ed" said Hatteras, sadly. Let me
hear all yours first"
Captain" said Johnson. before pro-
nouncing on such an important matter,
wish to ask you a question"
ASK It, then, Johnson"
You went out yesterday to ascer-
tain our exact position; well, is the
field drifting or stationary"
Perfectly stationary. 1t had not
moved since the last reckoning was
made"
A discussion opened at once about
what to do. Hatteras wanted still to
try to reach the pole. as retreat seemed
equally impossible.
I'VE may find rich hunting grounds"
he urged. I'VE know the route back is
barren"
such a proposal and Hatteras was de-
claring he would start for the pole
alone, when he felt light touch on his
arm. 1t was Altamont, the American,
who had crawled out of bed and man
aged to yet on his knees. He was try
Ing to speak, but his swollen LIS could
scarcely make sound. Hatteras went
towards him, and watched him so at
tentively that in a few minutes he
made out a word that sounded like
oorpoise. STOPPING over him he asked:
rs it the Porpoise?"
Altamont made sign In the affirm
ative, and Hatteras went on with his
queries, now that he had found a clew.
In these seas?"
The affirmative gesture was repeated.
rs she in the north?"
Yes"
do you know her position2"
Yes"
"Exactly?"
YES"
For minute or 30 nothing more was
said, and the onlookers waited with
palpitating hearts.
Then Hatteras spoke again.
Listen to me. We must know the
exact position Of our vessel. l will
count the degrees aloud, and you will
stop me when come to the right one."
The American assented by motion
of the head. and Hatteras began:
We'll take the longitude first One
hundred and five degrees, Nor 100 de-
grees, lot degrees? 1t is to the west,
suppose7"
YES" replied Altamont
Let us go on, then: 100 degrees, 10
degrees, 112 degrees, ia degrees. 118
degrees, 11S degrees. 120 degrees"
YES" interrupted the sick man.
"One hundred and twenty degrees of
longitude, and how many minutes7 1
will count"
Hatteras began at No. /, and when
he got to IL, Altamont made a sign to
stop.
Very good" said Hatteras; now
for the latitude. Are you listening7
Eighty degrees, 81 degrees, So degrees,
SO degrees"
Again the sign to stop was made.
Now for the minutes: Five minutes,
10 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, rs
minutes, 80 minutes, 35 minutes"
Altamont stopped him once more,
and smiled feebly.
"You say, then. that the Porpoise is
In longitude 120 degrees IL minutes,
and latitude SO degrees and 3B min
utes7"
EYES," sighed the American, and fell
back motionless in the doctors arms,
completely overpowered by the effort
he had made.