In this condition the animal functions went on apparently as well as usual, the appetite continued not only good but voracious.

The disease was clearly mental.

It barked furiously at nothing, and walked in straight or curved lines perseveringly; or, at other times, it remained for hours in moody silence, and then started off howling as if pursued.

In thirty-six hours after the first attack the poor animal died, and was buried in the snow on Store Island.
This was the first death that had occurred on board, and although it was only a dog, and not one of the favourites, its loss cast a gloom over the crew for several days.

It was the first blow of the fell destroyer in the midst of their little community, which could ill spare the life even of one of the lower animals, and they felt as if the point of the wedge had now been entered, and might be driven farther home ere long.
The expressive delight of the poor dogs on being admitted to the light of the cabin showed how ardently they longed for the return of the sun.
It was now the beginning of December, and the darkness was complete.