Bears were pretty numerous on the ice, and now McBain gave orders to preserve not only the skins but even the flesh of those monsters. It was cut in pieces and buried in the ice and snow, well up the braeland near to the mouth of the cave, in which they had found shelter during all the dark months of the former winter.
The fact that no seals appeared at the ice-hole proved beyond a doubt that the open water was very far indeed to the southward of them.
How they had rejoiced to see the sun rise for the first time in the previous spring; how their hearts sank now to see him set!
“Boys,” said McBain one day, after he had remained silent for some time, as if in deep thought—“boys, I fear we won’t get out of this place for many months to come. How do you like the prospect?”
He smiled as he spoke; but they could see the smile was a simulated one.
“Never mind,” said Ralph and Allan; “we’ll keep our hearts up, never fear; don’t you be unhappy on our account.”
“I’ll try not to be,” said McBain, “and I’m sure I shall not be so on my own.”
“Besides, captain dear,” added Rory, “it’s sure to come right in the end.”
McBain laid his hand on boy Rory’s head, and smiled somewhat sadly.
“You’re always hopeful, Rory,” he said. “We must pray that your words may come true.”