Weve got to follow that old bird, he said. Then I
had to leave the army,for I went to prison. Falconet had been a greatman and was
worth saving, and the task could not be left half-finished.
Next morning Adams bleared eyes studied the map.
That night Adam heard Nelles babbling in his sleep.
Our race must turn its eyes west when it looks for
Mecca.
IIIAdam found a lantern and lit up the interior of
the cleft. Do youknow, I asked you a week back what the chances were, and you
saidEvens. Falconets eager questions bit by bit drew out the story.
Where hefalls down is that he isnt interested in
organisation. Seehere, he said as he spread them on the table.
Next morning Adams bleared eyes studied the map.
That wasnot the sort of man to be easily beaten by difficulties. Lie flat on your
backtill I get a fire going.
He realised that he was facing the severest test of
his life, forhe had himself to conquer.
They rarely spoke to each other, and
neverconversed. Great God,man, I never heard a yarn like yours.
It has shaken Falconet, but you seem to have
thriven onit. Hestruck a light, and saw a rough bed on which lay the figure of
aman.
Falconet was asleep before he had finished these
ministrations. He guided the dogs without difficulty down a cleft of the ice-capto
the edge of the fjord.
I might have wished for something different, was
Adams reply,but I must take what is sent me.
Diet was the trouble, for to a sick man the
coarsesatisfying Arctic food was ill suited.
I dont know anyone whose judgment Id sooner
trustabout men or things. Two of Nelless dogs lay dead with splitskulls, their bones
picked clean by the ravens.