States have done for voyages of discovery in the Polar Regions, I offer a reward to the crew of this schooner. Two thousand dollars shall be shared among you for every degree we make beyond the eighty-fourth parallel."
Nearly seventy dollars to each man; this was a strong temptation.
I felt that I had hit the mark.
"I will sign an agreement to that effect," I continued, "with Captain Len Guy as your representative, and the sums gained shall be handed to you on your return, no matter under what conditions that return be accomplished."
I waited for the effect of this promise, and, to tell the truth, I had not to wait long.
"Hurrah!" cried the boatswain, acting as fugleman to his comrades, who almost unanimously added their cheers to his. Hearne offered no farther opposition; it would always be in his power to put in his word when the circumstances should be more propitious.
Thus the bargain was made, and, to gain my ends, I would have made a heavier sacrifice.
It is true we were within seven degrees of the South Pole, and, if the Halbrane should indeed reach that spot, it would never cost me more than fourteen thousand dollars.
Early in the morning of the 27th of December the Halbrane put out to sea, heading south-west.
After the scene of the preceding evening Captain Len Guy had taken a few hours' rest. I met him next day on deck while West was going about fore and aft, and he called us both to him.
"Mr. Jeorling," he said, "it was with a terrible pang
