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Rh We soon began to ascend, and I kept a look-out for the masts. I hurried to the top, but no ship was to be seen—the Penguin was gone!

I stood for a time like one confused, gazing up and down the channel. The others noticed my consternation, but doubtless guessing what was the matter, never uttered a word.

I now began to descend in the direction of the camp. On the way Yondozi inquired if I knew where the vessel had gone. I replied in the negative, saying that the whole matter was a mystery to me, and pointed out the tree to which she had been fastened. On arriving there, we dismounted, and, letting the animals go, began to examine the neighbourhood to see if we could find anything that might give a clue as to the cause of her disappearance.

I now began to wonder if Septimus had ever found his way back to the vessel. It was just possible that he did not return, and in that case the others would probably come to the conclusion that we were both dead, and may have taken their departure north. But, again, that was hardly feasible, for without him they would not attempt to navigate the vessel through the ice. But, on the other hand, they might have gone farther inland, to find