THE RETURN TO COLD AND DARKNESS. 465 



I nearly forgot to mention a very pleasing occur- 

 rence, the discharge of Kaack from the sick-list and 

 his return to duty. It is not only a gratifying result 

 to him, but well worthy of mention in connection with 

 the general condition of health of all hands. As his 

 injury consisted of a broken bone, any defect in his 

 constitution arising from his life in the ice would make 

 itself apparent by a slowness in healing. If, for in- 

 stance, anything in his food, drink, or surroundings had 

 given him a scorbutic taint, an infallible proof would 

 have been given by the bone of his arm uniting slowly 

 or badly. But the process of union has gone on regu- 

 larly and promptly, and the doctor tells me the cure 

 has been effected in the same time that would have 

 been necessary if the accident had occurred on shore 

 in the ordinary course of events. 



Another proof is presented in the gunshot wound of 

 Alexey. This healed promptly, and the hand is as ser- 

 viceable as ever. And if further proof were necessary, 

 we can refer to Danenhower's case. For nine months 

 has he been under severe treatment, involving opera- 

 tions, confinement in a dark room, deprivation of ex- 

 ercise, and at times shortening of diet. But though 

 weak and emaciated, he is as free from scurvy to-day 

 as if he had-remained in America. In all our trials we 

 have something still to be thankful for. 



October 1st, Friday. — After all the space devoted 

 to yesterday, it seems like a shame that it is necessary 

 to use only a few lines for to-day. But so it is. Our 

 eventful days are like rare oases in a large desert, and 

 we would like to hurry over the vast wastes interven- 

 ing. House clown the quarter deck awning for the win- 

 ter. In the afternoon I went out with Mr. Dunbar, 

 Alexey, and Sharvell, and we set the bear-trap, about 



30 



