“We’ll have him punished when we return,” they affirmed.
A bountiful breakfast was prepared for the castaways, and they and the crew of the Albatross were a happy party all that day.
Towards noon Captain Bertram led Will to a point some distance away where a ship was anchored.
“You see the ice is beginning to break and float for good,” he said. “We will sail as soon as the channel is open; probably to-morrow.”
When they returned to the depot he ordered the men to get their traps packed ready for conveying them to the ship.
They comprised, mostly, relics of their Arctic experience, and the white bear-skin Jack’s party had secured was not forgotten.
Captain Bertram got a sled ready and asked Will to aid him.
“I haven’t much baggage,” he said, “but I have one article that I have clung to through all my adventures.”
Under one of the bunks he pointed to a barrel. It was secured in a piece of sail cloth, and bore the captain’s name.
“What is it?” asked Will, curiously.