A FLOATING FORT. , I7I " May I ask you one question, sir 1 " " Of course, Corporal ; say on/' replied the Lieutenant, who won- dered what was coming. But Joliffe hesitated, and his little wife nudged his elbow. "Well, Lieutenant," resumed the Corporal, "it's just about the seventieth degree of latitude — if we are not where we thought we were. " The Lieutenant frowned, " Well," he replied evasively, " we made a mistake in our reckon- ing, . . . our first observation was wrong ; . . . but what does that concern you 1 " " Please, sir, it 's because of the pay," replied Joliffe with a scowl. "You know well enough that the Company promised us double pay." Hobson drew a sigh of relief. It will be remembered that the men had been promised higher pay if they succeeded in settling on or above the seventieth degree north latitude, and Joliffe, who always had an eye to the main chance, had looked upon the whole matter from a monetary point of view, and was afraid the bounty would be withheld. " You needn't be afraid," said Hobson with a smile ; " and you can tell your brave comrades that our mistake, which is really inexplicable, will not in the least prejudice your interests. We are not below, but above the seventieth parallel, and so you will get your double pay." " Thank you, sir, thank you," replied Joliffe with a beaming face.
- It isn't that we think much about money, but that the money
sticks to us." And with this sage remark the men drew off, little dreaming what a strange and fearful change had taken place in the position of the country. Sergeant Long was about to follow the others when Hobson stopped him with the words — " Remain here. Sergeant Long." The subordinate officer turned on his heel and waited for the Lieutenant to address him. All had now left the cape except Mrs Barnett, Madge, Thomas Black, and the two officers. Since the eclipse Mrs Barnett had not uttered a word. She looked inquiringly at Hobson, who tried to avoid meeting her eyes.
