The Lieutenant bent his head in assent, and the two returned to their old position on the little hill.
Hobson put the case before the whole party.
"The speed we have given to the ice," he said, "is causing it to wear away rapidly, and will perhaps hasten the inevitable catastrophe by a few hours. My friends, you must decide whether we shall still go on."
"Forwards!" cried all with one voice.
So it was decided, and, as it turned out, the decision was fraught with consequences of incalculable importance.
At six o'clock P.M. Madge rose, and pointing to a point on the south-east, cried-
"Land!"
Every one started up as if struck by lightning. Land there was indeed, on the south-east, twelve miles from the island.
"More sail! more sail!" shouted Hobson.
He was understood, and fresh materials were hastily brought. On the shrouds a sort of studding sail was rigged up of clothes, furs, everything, in short, that could give hold to the wind.