My brave partner!" Without delay Skipper Ed now tucked Jimmy into his sleeping bag, and wrapping an additional caribou skin around each of the boys, set himself at once to brewing some hot strong tea, which he forced them to drink, and until they had drunk it and were thoroughly warmed he commanded them to do no talking, though in spite of the injunction Bobby asked: "Is Jimmy all right ?" "He's all right," reassured Skipper Ed, "as snug as can be, in his bag.
Now don't say another word until I give you permission.

Go to sleep." "Where's my _netsek_?
Did you find it?
And my mittens?
I'll need 'em again," persisted the practically disposed Bobby, who was already thinking of the future.
"You young rascal! Go to sleep, I say, and don't let me hear another word," insisted Skipper Ed.

"I'll go find 'em.

Keep quiet now and go to sleep." Skipper Ed found the _netsek_ and mittens, as he had promised he would.
The tide had driven the piece of ice upon which Bobby had left them back again to the main ice.

Then he fed the dogs, and when he returned to the _igloo_ both lads were sleeping soundly.
He filled his pipe, and sat for two hours, and until darkness settled, smoking and ruminating.