248 
A VOYAGE TO SPITZBERGEN. 
gave fresh vigour to our limbs, and the muscles, begin¬ 
ning to flag with the constant strain upon them up to 
this point, gained fresh strength as we toiled up the 
steep mountain side. Our lungs, renewed with the 
wholesome draught, could help us upwards, we thought 
for ever. Time, the bore to all enjoyment, at last 
began to tell on our limited powers, some of the 
boasters being the first to cry out. In pity to these, 
we halt and hold a council. It would be a grave 
reproach to us, having set out with so desirable an 
object, to return back defeated, and there in front of 
us, at but a trifling distance apparently, stands the 
summit of the peaks above, whose crest we had re¬ 
solved to reach. Once there, we have but to look in 
any direction, and resolve any doubts we may have as 
to the geography of the region. 
We felt bound to go on and explore. The distance 
seemed so trifling, that any labour we might endure in 
gaining the top was nothing in comparison with the dis¬ 
grace of failure. We resolved to push on, and invited 
some one willing to go as a companion. Magnus at 
once volunteered, and our arrangements were soon made. 
The others were to return at once to the schooner, while 
we two would attempt the ascent. If we gained it, 
we would act as circumstances would direct, and 
return by some other route. All the biscuits and slices 
