The boat brought us back to the ship. Captain Len Guy had not left his cabin. West, having received no orders, was pacing the deck aft. I seated myself at the foot of the mainmast, observing the sea which lay open and free before us.
At this moment the captain came on deck; he was very pale, and his features looked pinched and weary.
"Mr. Jeorling," said he, "I can affirm conscientiously that I have done all it was possible to do. Can I hope henceforth that my brother William and his companions—No! No! We must go away—before winter—"
He drew himself up, and cast a last glance towards Tsalal Island.
"To-morrow, Jim," he said to West, "to morrow we will make sail as early as possible."
At this moment a rough voice uttered the words:
"And Pym—poor Pym!"
I recognized this voice.
It was the voice I had heard in my dream.
