I said nothing about my contrition, my going on deck, and the like, contenting myself with asking if he had heard the explosion in the night.
"No," cried he, staring and looking eagerly.
"Well, then," said I, "there has happened a mighty crack in the ice, and I do soberly believe that with the blessing of God we shall be able by blasts of powder to free the block on which the schooner rests."
"Good!" cried he; "come, let us hurry with this meal. How is the weather?"
"Quiet, I believe. I have not been on deck since the explosion aroused me early this morning."
Whilst we ate he said, "Suppose we get the schooner afloat, what do you propose?"
"Why," I answered, "if she prove tight and seaworthy, what but carry her home?"
"What, you and I alone?"
"No," said I, "certainly not; we must make shift to sail her to the nearest port, and ship a crew."
He looked at me attentively, and said, "What do you mean by home?"