the sails were set, yet I could see no signs of life on board. Was it possible they had abandoned the vessel, and returned to the land? Hardly, I thought. They would probably remain till the summer.
We got alongside. She was frozen in; yet everything was in perfect order, and the vessel appeared as if she were still the abode of people. They must be asleep in their bunks.
I should here mention that I had long given up the idea of punishing Septimus for his misconduct, intending only to take the command, which I had no doubt he would be willing enough to give up to me. Indeed, from the time I recognised the vessel, I felt sure that he would be glad to see me again, and for my own part I was overjoyed at the idea of meeting them. Skinny had always been faithful, and Sifton, the other seaman, had discharged his duties well. However, I would give them a surprise; so I hurried to the bridge, and shouted out in a loud, if not musical, voice, "Captain Septimus Adolphus Robinson"; but no "Aye, aye, sir," was forthcoming. I repeated the name, but all was silent. So I stepped down to the deck, where Yondozi was standing, and we went below. Here a pitiful scene was presented to us. At the
