312 
THE CONCLUSION. 
most favorable one for ice-melting. Putting all this 
together, it looks as if the winter must catch us before 
we can get halfway through the pack, even though 
we should begin Avarping to the south at the earliest 
moment that Ave can hope for Avater. 
“It is not a pleasant conclusion of the argument; 
for there never Avas, and I trust neA r er will be, a party 
Avorse armed for the encounter of a second Arctic 
Avinter. We have neither health, fuel, nor provisions. 
Dr. Hayes, and indeed all I have consulted about it 
indirectly, despond at the thought; and Avhen I look 
round upon our diseased and disabled men, and think 
of the fearful Avork o'f the last long night, I am tempted 
to feel as they do. 
“The alternative of abandoning the vessel at this 
early stage of our absence, even Avere it possible, Avould, 
I feel, be dishonoring; but, revolving the question as 
one of practicability alone, I AA'ould not undertake it. 
In the first place, how are Ave to get along Avith our 
sick and neAvly-amputatcd men? It is a dreary dis¬ 
tance at the best to Upernavik or Beechy Island, our 
only seats of refuge, and a precai’ious traverse if Ave 
were all of us fit for moving; but Ave are hardly one- 
half in efficiency of Avhat Ave count in number. Be¬ 
sides, hoAV can I desert the brig Avliile there is still a 
chance of saving her? There is no use of noting 
pros and cons: my mind is made up; I will not 
do it. 
“But I must examine this ice-field for myself. 1 
have been maturing through the last fortnight a 
