Suddenly a dull glow was seen through the mist. Frank gave a cry of joy.
“That is the searchlight,” he cried. “We shall soon be there!”
And his prediction was verified. After a hard scramble the Scorcher was reached.
All were glad of this.
The expedition around the range had been a failure. The fate of Captain Ward and his men remained unsolved.
But it was safe to assume that they had perished in the waters of the inland sea. All were agreed upon this point.
Frank examined the barometer with some alarm.
“I’m afraid,” he said, “that if we do not make a move very quickly to return to the Pearl that we will never get there.”
“That’s correct, mate,” declared Wendel. “I agree with ye. The winter storms will block the fiord. If the ship stands the nipping the spring thaw will carry her into the northward current and we shall never see her again.”
“Enough!” cried Randall. “Why do we delay here, then?”