Now, my companions were engaged for a voyage which was not to take them farther beyond the icebergs than Tsalal Island." "That is not so," exclaimed Captain Len Guy.

"No! That is not so.

I recruited you all for an enterprise which I have a right to pursue, so far as I please." "Beg pardon," said Hearne, coolly, "but we have come to a point which no navigator has ever yet reached, in a sea, no ship except the _Jane_ has ever ventured into before us, and therefore my comrades and I mean to return to the Falklands before the bad season.

From there you can return to Tsalal Island, and even go on to the Pole, if you so please." A murmur of approbation greeted his words; no doubt the sealing-master justly interpreted the sentiments of the majority, composed of the new recruits.

To go against their opinion, to exact the obedience of these ill-disposed men, and under such conditions to risk the unknown Antarctic waters, would have been an act of temerity--or, rather, an act of madness--that would have brought about some catastrophe.
Nevertheless, West, advancing upon Hearne, said to him in a threatening tone, "Who gave you leave to speak ?" "The captain questioned us," replied Hearne.