CHAPTEK X. 



CONCLUDING LABORS AND RETURN OF THE EXPEDITION. 



ON the 24th of August an important crisis occured 

 in the history of the expedition. The period had 

 arrived when it became necessary to determine 

 whether the officers and crew would attempt an im- 

 mediate escape from the Polar regions, or whether 

 they would venture to remain in their icy exile during 

 another winter. The latter alternative was by no 

 means inviting; and when the commander sum- 

 moned all hands to a general consultation, he stated 

 at length the considerations which had induced him 

 to resolve upon remaining. He showed them how 

 an attempt to escape by the open water would be 

 both dangerous and unsuccessful ; yet at the same 

 time he gave his permission to all who might wish 

 to make the experiment. The roll was called, and 

 each man was allowed to answer for himself. Eight 

 out of seventeen decided to remain by the brig, 

 which was still immovably frozen in the ice. To 

 those who expressed a desire to return immediately, 



Dr. Kane allotted their due proportion of provisions, 

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