210 



ROSS'S SECOND VOYAGE. 



nals were perceived, when she was seen to heave to 

 and lower a boat, which made directly towards them. 



On its arrival, the mate in command asked if they 

 were in distress and had lost their vessel, proffering his 

 aid, stating, in answer to their inquiries, that he be- 

 longed to the Isabella, of Hull, once commanded by 

 Captain Ross, now by Captain Humphreys. On being 

 told that the former person stood before him, his brain 

 was so puzzled that he declared the captain must be 

 under a mistake, as he had certainly been dead two 

 years. When satisfied, however, of the contrary, and 

 that he was in the presence of the long-absent naviga- 

 tor, he offered his hearty congratulations. 



Such was the effect of previous hardship, that few of 

 Ross's men could sleep on a bed ; and some time was 

 necessary to enable them to enjoy this and other accom- 

 modations of ordinary life. 



On the 30th of September, 1833, the Isabella left 

 Davis's Straits, and on the llth of October reached 

 Stromness, in Orkney. On Ross's landing at Hull, on 

 the 18th, such crowds were attracted that he could with 

 difficulty reach the inn. He proceeded next day to 

 London, and, having reported himself to the Admiralty, 

 was presented, on the morrow, to his majesty at 

 Windsor, 



THE PTARMIGAN 



