252 THE ROSS AND PARRY POLAR VOYAGES 



Humphreys. He was with difficulty convinced that his former com- 

 mander stood before him, declaring that it was all a mistake, for 

 he had certainly been dead two years. When finally satisfied, he 

 hastened back to his ship with the glad tidings, and immediately 

 her yards were manned, and three ringing cheers greeted the cap- 

 tain and his party. 



As soon as possible Captain Humphreys steered for England, 

 and on the I2th of October reached Stromness in Orkney. The 

 intelligence of the rescue so happily accomplished quickly spread 

 thence throughout the kingdom; and Captain Ross and his com- 

 panions were received as men who had risen from the grave. On 

 his landing at Hull he was welcomed by enthusiastic crowds, like a 

 general fresh from the field of victory. He fully deserved the re* 

 ception thus accorded to him. 



