"All safe?" shouted Captain Stormleigh through a megaphone.
"But two, sir," replied O'Donovan.
The cheers that were on the lips of the rescuing men were choked. In the midst of the fitting climax to their endeavour they realised that the perils of the Arctic had claimed their toll.
Two hours later, Claude Ranworth, Leslie, and Guy were standing by the side of John Ranworth's cot. The Polarity had weighed anchor once more, and Nova Cania was already fading in the mists of the Arctic.
"I suppose you know, old man, that we lost your precious platinum?" asked John Ranworth.
His brother nodded his head.
"Yes," he replied. "But it's of little consequence now. I've come to the conclusion that the game isn't worth the candle. But, thanks to your efforts, under Providence, Jack, we're safe and sound and homeward bound."
"Aye," agreed John Ranworth, "and not forgetting our young friends Leslie and Guy. We'll have to fit out another expedition, Claude, to retrieve our lost fortunes—but it won't be the Arctic next time. Central Africa's the place, and when we do decide there are two persons I shall ask to accompany us—Leslie Ward and Guy Anderson."
"Thank you, sir," replied the chums in one breath.
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