The sun was quite warm, and in some places the snow was melting. At any event, they scarcely felt the cold.
The tracks of various animals were observed, but none seen or captured.
After traveling for many miles they came to a broad, open waterway similar to the one they had left behind.
“We are on an island,” remarked Jack, after surveying the country. “Yonder across the water is probably the mainland. The question is, shall we decide to remain here or attempt to cross over to what is undoubtedly a much larger scope of territory?”
“How can we do it?” inquired Hugo.
“We must devise some way. For the night we will stay here.”
“And build another ice house?” inquired Tom.
“No; we will secure temporary quarters and make a rough snow house.”
Ready hands soon constructed a hut. The weather was much colder than the preceding night, but with the alcohol and some moss they managed to pass a comfortable night.
When they awoke they found a thin sheet of ice covering the water, evidently an arm of the sea. Large cakes of ice were held in the field, and after breakfast Jack imparted his plan to his companions.