THE ARCTIC AND THE ANTARCTIC 61 



miles was reduced to splinters. Eagerly we clustered 

 round as the match was applied, and fanned the laggard 

 flame with our breaths until it burst out cheerily, 

 crackling and glowing, illuminating the trembling walls 

 of our cavern, and causing the crystal roof to scintillate 

 with a hundred varying hues. Sparingly Mac fed the 

 flame ; if we could only keep it alive till morning 

 the blizzard might have abated. Piece by piece the 

 wood was applied, and the feeble fire was maintained 

 with anxious care. Hour after hour passed and still 

 the blizzard howled, and the swirling snow-drifts swept 

 to, our feet as we bent over our one frail comfort and 

 protected the wavering flame from the smothering sleet. 



At various times throughout the weary hours I fancied 

 I could hear a faint moaning without our shelter, but 

 the inky blackness of the night obscured all vision ; 

 and after aimlessly groping in the snow for some 

 minutes after each alarm, I tod to crawl back benumbed 

 and helpless. 



' It must have been the wind,' said Stewart. 



' There's nae man could cross the pass last night,' 

 spoke Mac. 



Dave lay coiled up on my blanket, apparently fast 

 asleep. The noble animal had had nothing to eat 

 for two days, and I feared he would not wake again. 

 Suddenly, however, he started up, growling hoarsely. 

 The moaning sound again reached our ears, prolonged 

 and plaintive. Then came the sharp whistle of the 

 blizzard, clear, decisive. There could be no mistake. 

 Assuredly some unfortunate was out in the cruel storm. 

 Our four-footed companion struggled to his feet with 

 an effort, and, swaying erratically, he rushed from the 

 cave, whining dolefully. We gazed at each other in 





