The two unfortunate men never rose. The bed of the deep Antarctic was their final resting place.
There was no more seal hunting that day. The grief and horror of the two survivors can well be imagined.
There was nothing to do but to return to the Albatross and report the mishap.
So back toward the ship they started. But as they came in sight of it, Captain Hardy remarked a peculiar circumstance.
“That is queer!” he exclaimed. “There is no smoke from the galley pipes. What does it mean?”
“They cannot have let the fire go out!” cried Jack.
The two men exchanged startled glances. Without a word they pressed forward.
And as they drew nearer the ice-bound ship no one came out to greet them. No one answered Jack’s hail.
All was as silent as death.
“What is the matter with them?” cried Captain Hardy. “Why on earth don’t they answer?”