The Norseman shook his head.
“They have other enemies beside man, sir, and they are suspicious of anything strange which they see moving. Look,” he continued, pointing downward from the height to which they had climbed.
“What at? More walrus?”
“No, sir; that shining water. We need not have left the boat. It is the continuation of the passage we came through, and you can trace it from those great blocks of ice right away in and out to the sea.”
“All but in that one place not so very far from where we left the boat.”
“Yes; the ice-floe was thrust right over it there. It may have choked it up, but perhaps there is a way under the ice. Great floes like that in motion yesterday would easily be thrust right over such a narrow canal. Look what has been done here.”
“Then, if we can row right through to the sea that will be grand,” said Steve; “because it will make it so easy if we can explore along the coast in the boat.”
“Yes, sir, and so much better for the seal and walrus-hunting. Shall we go on now, gentlemen?”
“Yes,” said Captain Marsham. “Where do you make out the herd to be lying now?”
“About a quarter of a mile from the other side of this pile, sir, straight away toward the sea. Be careful to keep out of sight.”