By this time Pomp and Gaston were by Frank’s side. A glance into the hole was enough.
It was a deep, circular opening, extending downward for twenty feet. At its bottom was a surging, boiling mass of icy waters.
It was into the ocean that Barney had dropped.
Doubtless before this he had been carried under the vast field of ice and was beyond earthly aid.
For a moment the three explorers looked at each other in utter horror.
Then Pomp began to wail in sorrow.
“Fo’ de good Lor’, am de I’ishman done gone an’ dronwed?” he cried. “Den dis chile am lef’ all alone. Boo, hoo, hoo! He was jes’ de bes’ frien’ I eber had. Wha’ am I gwine to do now?”
Indeed, all were deeply affected. Pomp was inconsolable.
Watch was kept at the hole for a reasonable time in the faint hope that the Celt would reappear.
But he did not.