Engrossed in discussing some complex marine question, it was not until the break-up had reached the ship that they aroused to a sense of their peril.
Jack’s first thought was of the missing members of his party.
“The boys!” he ejaculated, starting to his feet and eagerly scanning the scene.
Like Will and his companions they saw the ship’s dilemma and the sailors rushing towards it.
An instinct of self preservation bade them believe that they themselves might reach the Arctic, but the brave old sailors were true to their duty.
“The boys have gone beyond the field here,” said Hugo.
“We must find them,” replied Jack. “Quick, mate, let us get the sled out of this!”
The oncoming ice warned them to act quickly.
There was no way, however, to drag the sled up the ascent to the place where the boys had gone.
They kept dragging it along the ice for quite a distance, hoping to find an opening.