number that had now gathered with the object of capturing the vessel. Fires were at once lit, and the bodies of the slain were torn to pieces and thrown on them to roast. Very soon the savages were seen greedily devouring the partially singed limbs.
In the meantime spears were being hurled at the ship, which they began to surround in their canoes, and it was only after several thousands had been destroyed by the bombs thrown from the vessel that they retreated, and then only to make further preparations to renew the attack. The remaining crew, however, managed to raise the anchor and get to sea without further trouble.
But they had already experienced more than enough, and had commenced their homeward voyage, broken down by hardship, when the little case enclosing the manuscript was consigned to the custody of the fickle waves and currents.
This curbed the spirit of adventure in Neuroomia, and although many generations had passed away since the sad event narrated above took place, no one had since ventured even to cross the icefield. This was not owing to fear, for the Neuroomians are brave; but they considered that there could be nothing in the other parts of the world worth risk-
