They had some difficulty in urging the dogs away from the camp, but once started the sled flew over the snowy expanse.
They were not followed by the Esquimaux, who were, doubtless, affrighted at the guns.
After several hours Jack ordered a halt, and they found a shelter for the night, resuming their journey the next day.
Several times on their way they passed ice huts and other evidences of the passage of recent travelers, such as broken sleds and scraps of food.
At nightfall, two days later, they came to a settlement.
Beyond it was the open sea.
Anchored near the coast was a large ship.
Snow huts and several rude frame houses were also visible.
The first man they met as the sled stopped was a white man.
He welcomed them cordially, and for the first time since leaving home they entered a house resembling those they had been used to live in.