The man explained that the place was a whaling station known to most ships in the trade.
The settlement had numerous Esquimaux among its population, and several of these and members of the crew of the ship at anchor soon gathered in the depot building, as it was called, to survey with curiosity the escaped castaways.
Jack related the story of their adventures. In its narration he several times spoke of the Albatross and its crew.
When he had concluded the man who had welcomed him turned to Will.
“And this is Captain Bertram’s brother, eh?”
“Yes,” replied Jack.
“Do you know my brother, sir?” queried Will, anxiously.
“We parted company a week ago.”
“Then he is alive and well?”
“He was at last accounts. He has gone about fifty miles down the coast.”