ing crowd that hung about the New Prince's Docks. There was a canoe made of tinned iron, covered with gutta-percha, a long mahogany whaling-boat, and a number of halkett-boats or india-rubber cloaks, which could be converted into canoes by inflating the lining.
The Forward was certainly altogether a most mysterious, puzzling vessel, and people grew quite excited about her, now that the hour for sailing had come.
CHAPTER II
THE UNEXPECTED LETTER
Eight months prior to the time when our story commences, Richard Shandon had received the following letter:
"Sir,—This letter is to inform you that a sum of £16,000 sterling has been placed in the hands of Messrs. Marcuart & Co., bankers, Liverpool. I also enclose checks signed by me, which you can draw on the said bankers up to the above-mentioned amount.
"You do not know me. It matters not. I know you. That is the most important thing.
"I offer you the place of chief officer on board the brig Forward, bound for an expedition which may be long and perilous.
"If you refuse, that is all about it; if you accept, your salary will be £500, to be raised one-tenth each year you are away.
"The brig Forward has at present no existence. You will have to get her built, and ready to go to sea by the beginning of April at the latest.
"I subjoin a detailed plan and a draft, to which you will scrupulously adhere. The ship is to be constructed by Messrs. Scott & Co., who will arrange matters with you.
"I beg you will pay special attention to the selection of the crew of the Forward. This will consist of the captain, myself, the chief officer, yourself, a second mate, a boatswain, two engineers, an ice-master, eight sailors, and two stokers—eighteen men altogether, including Dr. Claw-
