The gratitude of the Albatross’ people to Frank Reade, Jr., was of the most intense description.
“We can never forget your kindness!” they declared. “But for your aid we would never have effected the rescue, and we should all have met death.”
“But what are your plans now?” asked Frank, with interest.
“We must return to the Albatross.”
“And then——”
“Winter here and with the first thaw in the spring sail for home.”
“But you have no crew!”
“That is true,” replied Captain Hardy. “We shall be short handed. Yet if none of us die in the meanwhile the four of us could sail the ship home.”
“Yet it will be a terrible experience for you to pass the winter upon the scene of that fearful massacre,” said Frank. “Don’t you think the ice pack could be broken up?”
“Ah!” cried Captain Hardy, eagerly. “If we could have made headway against the wind for only two miles more we should have been in the open sea!”