The Washington times., 1936-09-19

Up to now they had been fret
from serious illness. Gordon, al
though his severity was criticized
had not permitted excess of any
kind. However, there was always
the fear of the diseases which
children rarely escaped.
Altogether, if the present was
bearable, the future was full Of
threatening anxiety. At all cost, a.
Briant was always thinking, they
would try to leave Chairman
Island. But with only the frai
yawl of the Slough, how could
they risk a crossing which might
be q long one if the island was
not one of a group, or if the near
est continent was hundreds Of
miles away? Even if two or three
had been willing to seek a land
towards the east, what were the
chances that they would ever be
able to reach it? AS to building
O ship big enough to cross the
Pacific, that was far beyond their
strength. Briant did not know
what to imagine for the salvation
Of all.
The only thing to do was to
wait, still wait, and work to make
French Den more comfortable.
They all started again on their
usual work. Experience had shown
them what the rigours of the win
ter were in this latitude. 1t was
wise to be prepared against cold
and hunger, their two most for
midable enemies.
To fight against cold in French
Den was only question of having
enough wood in store. But they
also had to think about the ami
mails in the barn yard. To keep
them inside the store-room would
have been troublesome, and i'm
prudent from a hygienic point OF
view. Therefore Baxter, Briant,
Service and Moko started to make
the barn more habitable and
warmer. They built place where
O fire could burn safely and yet
keep the barn warm enough for
the animals comfort.
As to food for the winter, ponl-
phan and his companions were
given charge of that. Every day
they visited the traps, the SnareS
and pits. What they did not use
at once, was sailed or smoked by
Moko.
However, an exploration Of the
eastern portion Of Family Lake
was necessary to learn if it Of
3ered new resources.
Briant had a long talk with Cor
don on that subject. looking at it,
moreover, from another point Of
view.
Although Baudoin's map has
proved fairly exact" he said, I'VE
should find out what the Pacific is
like towards the east. We've got
telescopes which he didn't have.
and we might discover lands
which he wasn't able to see? His
map shows Chairman Island COM
pletely isolated, but maybe, it
isn't"
"You always stick to that
idea," replied Gordon, land you're
In a hurry to CO."
Eyes, Gordon, and I'm sure you
think the same as I do. Mustn't
we use all our efforts to get back
to our own country as soon as
possible?"
$50 be it," said Gordon. We'll
organize an expedition"
I'm which We'll all take part?"
''No. it seems to me that six or
seven. -"
'"That would be too many, Cor
don. Six or seven would have to
20 around the lake and that would
take too long"
what do you propose then,
Briant?"
For two or three of us to cross
the lake in the yawl."
"And who will man the yawl?"
"Moko," said Briant. "He knows
the maneuvers of a boat and I
know q little about it,"
"All right, Briant, I think your
idea is good. And who will go with
Moko?"
IT will, since I didn't go on the
expedition to the north Of the lake.
It's my turn to make myself useful
and ask. -"
That's nonsense" cried Cor
don, haven't you given us a
thousand proofs Of that, Briant?"
"Don't exaggerate, Gordon.
Well, a it understood that I go?"
TITS understood, Briant. Who'll
Soa tia third9 7 don't suggest DoDi-