CHAPTER IV.

A singular discovery--Battell crossing a sand ridge on the ice-field--Captain Ganoe leads a party to his assistance--Lief and Eric--Battell's theory--A second expedition--Battell's long absence--Is discovered returning alone, scarcely able to walk--Relief party finds him unconscious--Captain Ganoe as physician--Battell relates how he was abandoned by his men--Preparing for the break 65