“Well, if the ice would let us get up there, we are going pretty straight for the North Pole; but I expect this great wall will keep us more to the east, and before long, if the weather keeps fine, we shall be sighting the land of peaks and mountains.”
“Spitzbergen?” cried Steve.
“Well done; you have not forgotten everything.”
“No, not quite. And we shall be amongst the walrus, seals, and reindeer, and—”
“To-morrow morning, boy!” cried the doctor. “It’s rather soon after a heavy supper.”
“But isn’t it to-morrow morning to-day—I mean to-night—I mean—?”
“Bed, Steve, bed!” cried the doctor. “Come along, and I’ll set you the example. Your head will be clearer after a good rest, and you won’t be so ready to make bulls.”
“Very well,” said the boy, “I’ll go; but I’m sure I shan’t sleep a wink. It’s impossible, with the sun shining so bright and clear.”
But it was not, for in a quarter of an hour he was soundly off, breathing heavily, and too thoroughly tired out to dream about the encounter with the bear.