I had eaten nothing since our hasty meal in the woods, even if that had been the night before.

And judging by the pangs which now assailed my stomach, I began to wonder if I had not been snatched on board the "Terror" two days before,--or even more.
Happily the question if they meant to feed me, and how they meant to feed me, was solved at once.

The man at the bow left his post, descended, and reappeared.

Then, without saying a word, he placed some food before me and returned to his place.

Some potted meat, dried fish, sea-biscuit, and a pot of ale so strong that I had to mix it with water, such was the meal to which I did full justice.