They struggled on heroically, tired as they were, towards the distant light.
The jagged, irregular ice caused several detours, and the light had become a vague reflection when at length they reached the vicinity of the spot whence it emanated.
“It was a fire,” said Jack, as, looking beyond them, he caught sight of some glowing cinders.
They dropped the tarpaulin and its contents, and Jack ran forward.
A moment later his waiting companion heard him call:
“Ahoy, mate, we’ve found them.”
“The boys?” cried Hugo, dragging the tarpaulin towards the ice cave.
“Yes, and asleep.”
“They are lost, then, in this cold and exposed to the open air?”
“No, but they soon would be. To work, Hugo. They must be awakened.”