THE WORLD'S WONDERS. 605 



daring the United States owes the honor of having its standard 

 planted nearer the North Pole than that of any other nation. 

 How we should have rejoiced at his return and with gladness 

 given him the welcome of a hero ! 



DEATH OF SERGEANT RICE. 



THE death of Sergeant Rice, photographer of the Greely expe- 

 dition, which occurred April 6th, was even more tragic than that 

 of Sergeant Elison. The detail of men sent to Cape Isabella to 

 bring supplies from the cache there, were forced to abandon their 

 loaded sledge on the return, as previously related. Pen cannot 

 picture the disappointment felt by those in the miserable camp 

 when they saw the party return without food and dragging the 

 almost lifeless body of Elison instead. They gave a true report 

 of their misfortunes, of having been compelled to abandon the 

 meat brought from Cape Isabella, about fifteen miles from camp, 

 in order to save their companion from certain death. Starvation 

 was now so near at hand that Sergeants Rice and Fredericks vol- 

 unteered to bring the meat, which involved a journey of thirty 

 miles through deep snow and a temperature of 40 to 60 below 

 zero. 



It was, at best, with them a struggle for life, so the two heroes 

 set out for the deserted meat, weakened by the insufficient food 

 which they had so long been compelled to subsist upon, but 

 strong in heart and purpose. They took with them a sledge, rifle 

 and hatchet, and provisions for a five days' journey, which al- 

 lowance would force them to march at least six miles a day, a 

 thing extremely difficult to do under the circumstances. 



For three days the two brave fellows traveled, but without be- 

 ing able to find the meat, as it was, no doubt, now covered with 

 snow. Enfeebled by scanty diet, and exhausted by excessive 

 cold and exposure, Sergeant Rice was seized with a blood-flux, 

 which so rapidly sapped his little remaining strength, that he 

 speedily succumbed and died in his companion's arms. 



The horror of this moment to Sergeant Fredericks is beyond 

 description ; alone in that awful field of sheeted desolation, with 

 cteatb, clinging to his very bosom. The spirit of mercy seemed 



