Steve Young | Page 2

into yon solitudes. But it will not be dark
to you when the sun goes down; there's always a bright light in the
hearts of those who go to help others in distress. Now, then, what can I
do to help you? For I say God-speed to your trip with all my heart."
"Thank you, thank you. Well, you can help me in several ways. As an
old ice-goer you can give me many hints. Above all, as a brother-sailor
you know the value of a good crew. I have some trusty men, but I want
four more--young, strong, hearty, Norway lads, who have been well
among the walrus, and who can tackle a whale or a bear."
"Then you mean work?"
"Certainly. I will not believe my friend is lost, though I am going up
yonder; so I make this a pleasure and hunting trip."
"So as to pay expenses?" said the Norwegian.
"Yes. This special steamer and her fittings mean some thousands of
pounds, and I think I may as well reduce the cost all I can."
"Of course; and you have called your steamer the Hvalross."
"Yes; I have used your Norse term for the sea-horse."
"The name will make our lads eager to go."
"Then you can get me four to go with us?"
"You shall have the four finest men who have not already started, sir."
"Come, that sounds better," said the little, keen-looking man who had
not yet spoken. "May I shake hands with you, Captain Hendal?"
"Yes, sir; I like shaking hands with Englishmen," said the big
Norwegian, holding out his great palm, the back of which was
strangely suggestive of a polar bear's paw; and he laughed as he looked
down at the little white hand laid in it, and then gave it a grip which

changed its colour. "But you're not a sailor."
"I? No, a medical man."
"Name?"
"Handscombe," said the doctor, smiling.
"Got stuff in you, though," said the Norwegian grimly, "or you'd have
hallooed when I gave your hand that nip. But why are you going? They
won't want a doctor?"
"Oh, I don't know; I may be useful. I am a bit scientific though, and
want to see what we can discover."
"Good," said the Norwegian; "deal to learn up there, sir. Ice, currents,
the cold, the storms--and you'll find something beside snow; but you
will not find the North Pole."
"No," said Dr Handscombe, smiling; "we don't expect that, do we,
Steve?"
The lad smiled.
"Why not, sir? We might, you know."
"Yes, my lad, you might," said the Norwegian seriously. "It is more
likely to be found by accident than by those who go on purpose. Well,
Captain Marsham, I'll see about your men at once. Shall I find you on
board by-and-by?"
"Yes; I'll stay there till you come."
They parted, the Norwegian to stride away for the little town, while
Captain Marsham with his two companions made at once for the
sturdy-looking vessel with its low grey funnel lying in the land-locked
harbour, about fifty yards from the sunny shore.
CHAPTER TWO.

TO NORRARD.
Steve Young, who was walking first, suddenly stooped down and took
up a handful of sand, which was so hot, fine, and dry that it began to
trickle between his fingers like that in the kitchen egg-boiler at home,
as he trotted softly to the edge of the wharf and looked over, to find
exactly what he expected: the boat made fast to one of the cross timbers,
with a big swarthy man in a blue jersey asleep in the stern, and a
rough-looking, shock-headed boy also asleep in the bows, the hot
sunshine having a soporific effect on both.
As Steve reached the edge he looked sharply back and saw that the
Norwegian captain had returned, and Captain Marsham and the doctor
had turned to see what he wanted. That was Steve's opportunity, and
going down on one knee he reached over where the shock-headed boy
lay with the side of his head resting upon the boat's gunwale ten feet
below, and one ear turned up as if listening while its owner slept.
Steve Young calculated pretty well in trying to get his hand exactly
over that ear, and then let a little sand trickle down. It fell right into the
ear, for there was not a breath of wind; but the boy slept on. Steve let a
little more go down, and this time there was a tiny stone as well, which
struck the open organ and made it twitch, just as a dog's ear does when
it is tickled. But the boy slept on, and Steve tried again, letting more
sand fall. This time the boy raised his hand and gave his ear a vicious
rub. Then the