CHAPTER XX.
_Keeping it down--Mutual explanations--The true comforter--Death--New-Year's day._ It need scarcely be said that the sailors outside did not remain long in ignorance of the unexpected and happy discovery related in the last chapter.

Bolton, who had crept in after Fred, with proper delicacy of feeling retired the moment he found how matters stood, and left father and son to expend, in the privacy of that chamber of snow, those feelings and emotions which can be better imagined than described.
The first impulse of the men was to give three cheers, but Bolton checked them in the bud.
"No, no, lads.

Ye must hold on," he said, in an eager but subdued voice.
"Doubtless it would be pleasant to vent our feelings in a hearty cheer, but it would startle the old gentleman inside.

Get along with you, and let us get ready a good supper." "O morther!" exclaimed O'Riley, holding on to his sides as if he believed what he said, "me biler'll bust av ye don't let me screech." "Squeeze down the safety-valve a bit longer, then," cried Bolton, as they hurried along with the whole population to the outskirts of the village.

"Now, then, ye may fire away, they won't hear ye--huzza!" A long enthusiastic cheer instantly burst from the sailors, and was immediately followed by a howl of delight from the Esquimaux, who capered round their visitors with uncouth gestures and grinning faces.
Entering one of the largest huts, preparations for supper were promptly begun.