It did not take long for the excited party to learn that the ship, which now offered them a comfortable temporary home, was the Arctic, Captain John Smith, of Bedford.
The rescued party were immediately taken into the captain’s cabin, and for over an hour questioned as to their past adventures.
Jack Marcy concealed the fact of Captain Morris’ plot to sink the Golden Moose with a grim resolution that, when he once more reached Portland, the truth should be made known.
Inquiry from Captain Smith revealed the fact that the Arctic was a whaler fully rigged for a cruise to the far North.
The castaways were cared for and treated with kindly consideration, and the next morning the Captain said to Jack Marcy:
“We cannot change our course to get you ashore, boatswain.”
“We could not expect that, sir.”
“But should we meet a returning vessel?”
“’Taint likely at this season of the year.”
“No, not so early. Still, we make a landing five days ahead, with favorable weather, and you can go ashore and wait for a ship going back.”