ELISHA KENT KANE. 79 



extremes of cold need not destroy human existence 

 with the protection and succor which art and skilful 

 seamanship could afford ; and that Sir John Frank- 

 lin was himself one of the ablest, most sagacious, 

 and most experienced of all the navigators who had 

 ever invaded the Arctic seas. In view of these con si 

 derations, Dr. Kane was enthusiastic on the subject 

 of his possible rescue ; and even in his dreams, and 

 often in his waking hours, he seemed to hear the 

 feeble and melancholy moans of the imprisoned and 

 ice-bound wanderers, appealing to him, from far 

 across the frozen wastes, to hasten to their rescue 

 while life yet lingered within their shivering and 

 emaciated frames. Urged on by such inducements, 

 with which there was also confessedly mingled that 

 honorable ambition for distinction and eminence 

 which burns within every noble breast, and is one 

 of the chief mainsprings of whatever achievements 

 have ever promoted the glory and felicity of our 

 race, Dr. Kane completed all his arrangements, and 

 prepared to enter upon his second and last Arctic 

 expedition. 



