THE WINTER NIGHT 255 



ing miserably ; they have had the hose played over them 

 every time the deck was washed ; they have been sea- 

 sick; in bad as in good weather they have had to lie on 

 the spot hard fate had chained them to, without more 

 exercise than going backward and forward the length 

 of their chains. It is thus you are treated, you splendid 

 animals, who are to be our stay in the hour of need ! 

 When that time comes, you will, for a while at least, have 

 the place of honor. When they were let loose there was 

 a perfect storm of jubilation. They rolled in the snow, 

 washed and rubbed themselves, and rushed about the 

 ice in wild joy, barking loudly. Our floe, a short time 

 ago so lonesome and forlorn, was quite a cheerful sight 

 with this sudden population ; the silence of ages was 

 broken." 



It was our intention after this to tie up the dogs on 

 the ice. 



" Friday, September 29th. Dr. Blessing's birthday, in 

 honor of which we of course had a fete, our first o-reat 

 one on board. There was a double occasion for it. Our 

 midday observation showed us to be in latitude 79° 5' 

 north ; so we had passed one more degree. We had no 

 fewer than five courses at dinner, and a more than usual- 

 ly elaborate concert during the meal. Here follows a 

 copy of the printed menu : 



