“Out of nothing nothing comes,” remarked Leo, as the giant suddenly appeared from behind a rock, “but assuredly nothing can beat Chingatok in size or magnificence, which is more than anything else can.”
The Eskimo had been searching for the absentees to announce that dinner was ready, and that Toolooha was impatient to begin; they all therefore quickened their pace, and soon after came within scent of the savoury mess which had been prepared for them by the giant’s squat but amiable mother.
Chapter Sixteen.
Arrival in Poloeland.
Fortune, which had hitherto proved favourable to our brave explorers, did not desert them at the eleventh hour.
Soon after their arrival at Refuge Island a fair wind sprang up from the south, and when the Charity had been carefully patched and repaired, the kites were sent up and the voyage was continued. That day and night they spent again upon the boundless sea, for the island was soon left out of sight behind them, though the wind was not very fresh.
Towards morning it fell calm altogether, obliging them to haul down the kites and take to the oars.
“It can’t be far off now, Chingatok,” said the Captain, who became rather impatient as the end drew near.