DR. KANE'S FAMOUS ARCTIC VOYAGE 285 



halts necessarily became more frequent; and they would fall, in a 

 semi-somnolent condition, on the snow. Strange to say, these brief 

 intervals of slumber proved refreshing, so that Dr. Kane was 

 induced to try the experiment in his own person, taking care that 

 Riley should arouse him at the end of three minutes. Afterwards 

 he timed the men in the same way. They sat upon the runners of 

 the sledge, and fell asleep immediately, but were startled into wake- 

 fulness the moment their three minutes had elapsed. 



At eight in the evening the wayfarers were clear of the floes, 

 and gained some new hope at the sight of the well-known Pinnacly 

 Berg. Brandy, which sometimes proves an invaluable resource in 

 emergencies, had already been administered in tablespoonful doses. 

 After a final and stronger dram, and a longer rest, they resolved on 

 a last effort to reach the brig, which they attained at one hour after 

 noon. 



But words are inadequate to describe their sufferings in this 

 last stage of their journey. They were completely delirious, and no 

 longer entertained any clear apprehension of what was transpiring. 

 Like men in a dream they staggered onward, blindly, uncertainly. 

 From an inspection of their footprints afterwards, it was seen that 

 they had steered a bee-line for the brig, guided by a kind of instinct, 

 for they remembered nothing of their course. 



When about two miles from the brig they were met by Petersen 

 and Whipple, with the dog-traces, and a supply of restoratives, for 

 which Kane had sent a message in advance by Bonsall. As soon as 

 the frozen, wayworn creatures were safe on board, Dr. Hayes took 

 them under his charge. All were suffering from brain-symptoms, 

 functional not organic, and to be rectified by rest and abundant diet. 

 Ohlsen was for some time afflicted with blindness and strabismus; 

 two others underwent amputation of parts of the foot, but without 

 dangerous consequences; and two died, in spite of every attention. 

 The rescue-party had traveled between eighty and ninety miles, 

 dragging a heavy sledge for most of the distance. They had been 



