536 FARTHEST NORTH 



and began to inquire more particularly about the Fram 

 and the others. 



"Then we arrived at the house, a low Russian timber 

 hut lying on a flat terrace, an old shore-line beneath the 

 mountain, and 50 feet above the sea. It was surrounded 

 by a stable and four circular tent-houses, in which stores 

 were kept. We entered a comfortable, warm nest in the 

 midst of these desolate, wintry surroundings, the roof 

 and walls covered with green cloth. On the walls hung 

 photographs, etchings, photo -lithographs, and shelves 

 everywhere, containing books and instruments; under 

 the roof clothes and siioes hung drying, and from the 

 little stove in the middle of the floor of this cozy room 

 the warm coal fire shone out a hospitable welcome. 

 A strange feeling came over me as I seated myself 

 in a comfortable chair in these unwonted surroundings. 

 At one stroke of changing fate all responsibility, all 

 troubles were swept away from a mind that had been 

 oppressed by them during three long years ; I was in 

 a safe haven, in the midst of the ice, and the longings 

 of three years were lulled in the golden sunshine of the 

 dawning day. My duty was done; my task was ended; 

 now I could rest, only rest and wait. 



" A carefully soldered tin packet was handed to me ; 

 it contained letters from Norway. It was almost with 

 a trembling hand and a beating heart that I opened it; 

 and there were tidings, only good tidings, from home. 

 A delightful feeling of peace settled upon the soul. 



