It was a lively scene that ensued. The two stalwart sailors dragged the boys to and fro, put on their overcoats, beat their hands and feet, and finally had them wide awake.
Jack bathed their hands and faces with alcohol, a can of which was found in the outfit of the sled.
The sight of friends made the boys more hopeful and courageous, and they listened with attention to Jack’s directions.
It was not safe to sleep, he told them, and managed to keep them moving until Hugo and he had improvised a warm shelter.
They took the articles from the tarpaulin and spread the latter over the entrance to the ice cave.
They then cut a round, circular hole in the ice and pouring some alcohol into it set it on fire.
It was remarkable how the brief but fierce heat of the burning spirits warmed the temperature of the place.
The long night was uncomfortable, but old Jack was quite satisfied when morning came to find none of them frost-bitten or sick from the cold.
His first work of the morning was to take an inventory of the things from the sled.
They consisted of the articles the sailors had taken from the ship in case of exigency, and consisted of a can of alcohol, two guns, a hatchet, package of powder, caps and lead bullets, a package of food, some ropes and several large knives.