This was received with a shout of laughter by the Englishmen, high above which rose a wild cheer of joy from Benjy. Amalatok swallowed his warlike spirit, laid aside his spear, and seized his paddle. Chingatok gave the signal to advance, and, a few minutes later, those warriors of the north—those fierce savages who, probably for centuries, had been sworn hereditary foes—were seated round the igloe-lamps, amicably smearing their fingers and faces with fat, as they feasted together on chops of the walrus and cutlets of the polar bear.
Chapter Twenty Seven.
The Great Discovery.
Friendly relations having been established between the Flatlanders and the Poloese, both nations turned their attention to the arts of peace.
Among other things, Captain Vane and his party devoted themselves once more, with renewed energy, to the pursuit of discovery and scientific investigation. An expedition was planned to Great Isle, not now for the purpose of consulting Makitok, the oracle, as to the best time for going to war, but to gratify the wishes of Captain Vane, who had the strongest reason for believing that he was in the immediate neighbourhood of the Pole.
“Blackbeard says he must be very near nothing now,” observed Chingatok to Anders the day after their arrival.
“Near nothing!” exclaimed Teyma, who was sitting close by.
Of course the giant explained, and the premier looked incredulous.