foot of the ladder was Septimus, lying at full length, and looking as before, but I knew that he was dead—frozen to death. We went farther, and proceeded to the galley, where we found Skinny sitting in an upright position, leaning his back against the wall, and facing the fireplace, but life was gone; while beside him, lying on the floor, was Sifton, but he, too, was no more. All was now clear. They had exhausted their stock of firewood. The last pieces had been placed on the grate. It was probably then that Septimus left his place to secure a fresh supply from cases and other sources, and was going on deck when he fell.
Poor Septimus! he was indifferent to office or position now. There was evidence to show that both he and Skinny had acted their parts well, and the other had proved a faithful adherent to them. They had lived cordially together, and died together. Love of home had induced them to enter on the perilous journey that led to their destruction. They were greater patriots than myself.
"What is to be done?" I inquired of Yondozi.
"We can do but little now," he replied. "The Penguin has been their home and their grave, and why should we disturb them?"
"I know they loved her," I observed.
