“Gentlemen,” he said, finally, “I have thought the matter over seriously. I believe it is a question of life or death with us.
“Life if we get away on that ship before the rigorous winter sets in. Death if we have to remain here nearly nine months until the northern channels open again.
“We are not bred to this climate. We could not stand the rigorous cold. We would perish. It is only the question of the Scorcher, and I have decided what to do.
“We will abandon the machine.”
There was a profound silence. Then Frank resumed:
“Life is of paramount importance. We will transport such of the Scorcher’s effects us we can, and start at once for the Pearl.”
Instantly a wild cheer went up. The sailors ran forward and embraced Frank as their deliverer.
No time was lost.
It was decided to take the electric gun, the searchlight, and one of the smaller dynamos.
None of these were heavy. Also a case of the dynamite shells was taken. Other articles of necessity were carried away.