"We will soon learn our fate," said the professor. "We should be up to it in an hour."
In less time than that they were near enough to the white mass to tell that it was no floe or berg, but the main field of ice, part of that from which they had been separated.
"I don't know as we'll be much better off when we get there," said Andy. "There are not dogs enough left to draw the sled, and if we have to walk back to where the airship is, providing this Esquimaux can find it, we'll freeze."
"Let us wait until we get to shore before we begin to find new trouble," counseled the professor.
In a little while the floating floe bumped up against the main ice field with a grinding and crashing. No sooner had it touched than the dogs scampered off, and were soon lost to sight. The Esquimaux did not seem to worry much over their disappearance. He coolly righted the sled, having first demolished the temporary tent, and proceeded, unaided, to haul the vehicle ashore.
"Give him a hand, Washington," said the professor. "He is our friend, and rendered us good service. We must help him."
Then, while Washington and the native dragged the sled, the others followed afoot, and in a short time were safe on the main ice.
"Now, the question is," said the inventor, "can our guide take us to the ship?"
But the Esquimaux guide seemed to be in no dilemma. He gave one look about, after reaching the main shore, and then, with Washington helping him pull the sled, started off across the ice.
It was no easy path for the adventurers to follow. There were little hills and hollows, many rough and few smooth places. Their feet were weary before they had gone two miles. But the native did not seem to tire.