By its side was a pouch or pail made of the skin of a bear or fox, and containing frozen chunks of the blubber or fat of some animal.
The floor of the hut showed a long occupancy in the past, and was discolored with grease and bits of meat and fish bones.
The discovery cheered all of the party, for it showed that the place had once been visited, and that they might in time find some native settlement.
At any rate the hut was a comfortable shelter for them.
Jack directed Hugo, Willis and Tom to get the hut in order, and he and Will went out with the guns in search of food.
They saw some birds and animals, but could not get near to them.
Returning after a disappointing tramp, they made a second discovery that later proved of the utmost importance.
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE ALBATROSS.
They had passed several singular formations in the snow and ice during their tramp, and more than once Will supposed he had discovered another hut.