KNORR AND STARR. 155 



wind itself. The mask is, in a little while, but a lump 

 of ice. 



My youthful secretary, by the way, bore up bravely 

 on the tramp. I should not have taken him but foi 

 his constant and earnest appeals. There does not ap- 

 pear to be much of life in him, but he has pluck, and 

 that is an excellent substitute ; and thus far this qual 

 ity has carried him through. My friends told me, be- 

 fore leaving home, that I was needlessly taking him 

 to a very cold grave ; but he does not appear inclined 

 to fulfill their predictions, and seems likely to hold his 

 own with the hardest-fisted sailor of the crew. He is 

 but eighteen years old, and, except Starr, who is about 

 the same age, is the youngest member of my party. 

 Starr, too, is a plucky and useful boy. He got into 

 the party against my intentions, but I am very far 

 from sorry. Inspired with enthusiasm for Arctic ad- 

 venture, he volunteered to go with me in any capac- 

 ity ; and, having no convenient room in the cabin, I 

 told him that he could go in the forecastle, little 

 dreaming that he would accept my offer; but, sure 

 enough, he turned up the next day in sailor's rig. His 

 bright beaver and shining broadcloth and polished 

 pumps had given place to cap and red shirt and sea 

 boots, and I went on board to find the metamorphosed 

 boy of recent elegance manfully at work. Admiring 

 his spirit, I promoted him on the spot, and sent him 

 aft to the sailing-master, — the best I could do for 

 him. 



The rivalry between Hans and Peter waxes warmer. 

 My sympathies go with the latter, of which I have to- 

 day given substantial proof. Up to this time Hans has 

 had charge of Sonn tag's team, and has used it pretty 

 much as he pleased ; but he being absent this morn* 



