Opening the cabin door the voyagers walked out upon the snow-clad deck. It was a wild and wonderful scene which was presented to them.
CHAPTER X.
BARNEY’S DISAPPEARANCE—FIGHT WITH BEARS.
As far as the eye could reach all was one vast snow bank. The wind rioting had twisted the loose material into all sorts of fantastic shapes.
The snow had now ceased falling and the air was crisp and clear.
Leaving the airship’s deck the voyagers walked boldly out upon the huge drifts.
The snowshoes prevented their sinking into the white depths, perhaps over their heads.
Frank Reade, Jr., led the way to the highest point accessible and from this a good view of the surroundings could be had.
It was a bleak, desolate and forbidding region spread to view.
Yet the white country had its peculiar beauty and charms. Like crystal palaces the bergs of clearest ice glistened in the rarefied air.
“Grand!” cried Professor Gaston. “Where will you ever see the likes again?”