“The mystery explained,” cried Randall, “but where is the rest of the body?”
“That question is readily answered,” replied Frank. “The constant shifting of the ice may have disintegrated the body and distributed parts of it everywhere. Lively now, and let’s get the machine clear. Time is valuable.”
Ten minutes later the Scorcher glided out of its bed of ice and crossed the high line of ice-blocks to the smooth icefield beyond.
“All aboard!” cried Frank.
The rest of the way to the coast was easy traveling. Then the mouth of the fiord was entered.
It was the gateway to the unknown world of the Antarctic, and it need hardly be said that all in the party were intensely interested.
High up on the rocky steeps of the fiord snow-burdened firs hung over the abyss. At times a bear or a fox might be seen among the icy rocks.
Great flocks of penguins and other water fowl were in evidence. There was an abundance of game.
The Scorcher soon came to a long, level reach of smooth ice. Over this the machine sped with ease.
Miles flew by and soon the snow-burdened region began to unfold itself.