CHAPTER XVII 



RETURN OF THE EXPLORERS 



End of my Weary Waiting — Mr. Peary returns " on Time" — Experiences of 

 the Inland Ice-party — The Great Greenland Ice-cap — The "Kite" Aground 

 — Landing through the Surf — Back at Redcliffe — The Natives regard the 

 Commander and Astrup as Supernatural Beings. 



Saturday, August 6. From a half-sleep I was roused early 

 this morning by the plash of oars and loud talking, and before 

 I had fully grasped the idea that the professor's party had 

 returned, some one jumped over the rail on the deck just 

 over my head, and a familiar footstep made its way hurriedly 

 toward the companionway. I knew it was Mr. Peary, but 

 was unable to move or make a sound. He came rushing 

 down the stairs and rattled at my door, calling to me to open 

 it ; but I seemed to be paralyzed, and he forced it open and 

 stood before me, well and hearty, safe at last. 



Monday, August 8. Back at Redcliffe again, but how 

 different everything seems! Not only is our whole party 

 once more reunited, but there is the little " Kite " out in the 

 bay, ready to take us south at any time. 



I have been afraid to go to sleep since Mr. Peary's return, 

 for fear I might wake up and find it all a dream ; besides, we 



