Still it was evident that their energies had been overtaxed; for when they neared the ship next day, Tom Singleton, who had been on the look-out, and advanced to meet them, found that they were almost in a state of stupor, and talked incoherently--sometimes giving utterance to sentiments of the most absurd nature with expressions of the utmost gravity.
Meanwhile, good news was brought them from the ship.

Two bears and a walrus had been purchased from the Esquimaux, a party of whom--sleek, fat, oily, good-humoured, and hairy--were encamped on the lee side of the _Dolphin_, and were busily engaged in their principal and favourite occupation--eating!.