“What!” cried the doctor. “Why, I heard him roaring with laughter not above an hour ago.”
Steve looked confused.
“Of course,” he said, colouring. “I’d forgotten that.”
“There, we don’t want any apologies, my boy,” said the captain. “Keep up your spirits, and other people’s if you can. I want every one to have a good store of health and strength before the long night comes.”
Chapter Thirty Seven.
A Nocturnal Visitor.
And that long night which was on everybody’s lips, and when silent in everybody’s mind, was coming on surely and gradually, but to all on board the Hvalross very fast; for the captain never let the men rest. After every heavy fall of snow—and these came at shorter intervals—the crew were set to work banking it up against the sides of the ship.
“But it will make it so much colder,” Steve protested.