VOYAGE THROUGH THE KARA SEA 217 



up here, high above the water. Only one star was to be 

 seen. It stood straight above Cape Chelyuskin, shining 

 clearly and sadly in the pale sky. As we sailed on and 

 got the cape more to the east of us the star went with 

 it ; it was always there, straight above. I could not help 

 sittincr watchincr it. It seemed to have some charm for 

 me, and to bring such peace. Was it my star.? Was it 

 the spirit of home following and smiling to me now } 

 Many a thought it brought to me as the Fram toiled on 

 through the melancholy night, past the northernmost 

 point of the old world. 



Towards morning we were off what we took to be 

 actually the northern extremity. We stood in near 

 land, and at the change of the watch, exactly at 4 

 o'clock, our flags were hoisted, and our three last car- 

 tridges sent a thundering salute over the sea. Almost 

 at the same moment the sun rose. Then our poetic 

 doctor burst forth into the following touching lines : 



"Up go the flags, off goes the gun; 

 The clock strikes four — and lo, the sun!" 



As the sun rose, the Chelyuskin troll, that had so long 

 had us in his power, was banned. We had escaped the 

 danger of a winter's imprisonment on this coast, and we 

 saw the way clear to our goal — the drift-ice to the north 

 of the New Siberian Islands. In honor of the occasion 

 all hands were turned out, and punch, fruit, and cigars 

 were served in the festally lighted saloon. Something 



