.

EXPLANATIONS--A LEAVE-TAKING--LOVE--CONFESSIONS, BUT NO.
PENITENCE.
A night of sweet repose left me refreshed, and with a pulse that denoted less agitation than on the preceding day.

I awoke early, had a bath, and sent for Captain Poke to take his coffee with me, before we parted; for it had been settled, the previous evening, that he was to proceed towards Stunin'tun forthwith.

My old messmate, colleague, co-adventurer, and fellow-traveller, was not slow in obeying the summons.

I confess his presence was a comfort to me, for I did not like looking at objects that had been so inexplicably replaced before my eyes, unsupported by the countenance of one who had gone through so many grave scenes in my company.
"This has been a very extraordinary voyage of ours, Captain Poke," I remarked, after the worthy sealer had swallowed sixteen eggs, an omelet, seven cotelettes, and divers accessories.