CHAPTER XXXVI. 



HOMEWARD ! 



HOMEWARD ! What a strange ring in the simple word ! On our 

 long and laborious sledge-journeys we had many a time used it 

 when we thought of the Tram,' and a good home the 'Fram' had 

 been these four years, warm and strong and well provided ; but 

 that was in another way. Now the longing for home coursed 

 through our blood, and all the yearning, which we had thrust aside 

 during these long years, broke loose, rang in our ears, and made 

 our hearts beat faster. Half forgotten memories and dawning 

 hopes came back again. A sea of thoughts streamed in on us, and 

 tied our tongues in the midst of the joy at going home. It was a 

 moment full of promise when we knew that we were looking for 

 the last time on these mountains and fjords, which for so long 

 had been the object and the scene of our endeavour. 



But the west wind cared little about all this. Probably it 

 thought we were in no such great hurry after all, for in the evening 

 it dropped altogether. 



In the course of the night an east wind sprang up, and early 

 in the morning, after we had passed the last ice-stream, we sailed 

 close hauled. The wind increased, and soon the sea was so choppy 

 that the ' Fram,' though she was fairly high in the water, again and 

 again had the forecastle under. But then we were making up for 

 lost time, with steam and sail. 



That the ' -Fram ' is a roller cannot be denied ; but this time 

 she outdid herself. It was as if she was revelling at being in her 

 own element again, and meant to have a good bath after her long 

 time of waiting. 



On board things were in a critical condition, the tendencies 



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