The loss of so many dogs and so much of their outfit sobered the entire party, and Estankawak berated Olalola soundly for allowing the team to get away from him. Estankawak had been faint-hearted for several days, and now he came to Barwell Dawson and advised that all turn back.
“We cannot reach the Big Nail,” said he. “We have not enough food and not enough dogs.” By the “Big Nail” he meant the North Pole.
“We have certainly suffered a severe loss, but I think we can reach the Pole anyway,” answered Mr. Dawson.
“Estankawak wants to go back.”
“Very well, you can go back if you want to,—but you’ll have to go alone.”
This, of course, did not suit the Esquimau at all. He said he wanted the other Esquimaux to go with him, and walked away, grumbling to himself.
“He’ll have to be watched,” said Chet to Andy, when he heard of this talk.
“Right you are,” answered his chum. Andy had not suffered from his adventure, but it must be confessed that he had been badly scared.
On the following morning, while they were still trying to get over the lead, a strong wind came up from the northeast. This began to move the ice on the north shore, and in less than six hours the lead was completely choked up with it. When they looked at this transformation, the boys could scarcely believe their eyesight.
“Now is our chance!” cried Barwell Dawson. “Olalola says it is perfectly safe to cross the ice, although it will be a terribly rough journey.”