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THE ICY GATEWAY.
When Mr.Gibbs and his party returned to the Dipsey, after descending the iceberg, their report created a lively sensation.
"Why, it's like goin' home," said Mrs.Block.

"Perhaps I may find my shoes." It was not a very strange thing that they should have again met with this little ice-locked lake, for they had endeavored to return by a route as directly south as the other had been directly north.

But no one had expected to see the lake again, and they were not only surprised, but pleased and encouraged.

Here was a spot where they knew the water was deep enough for perfectly safe submarine navigation, and if they could start here under the ice they would feel quite sure that they would meet with no obstacles on the rest of their voyage.
As there was no possible entrance to this lake from the point where the Dipsey now lay at the end of her canal, Sammy proposed that they should make a descent into the water at the place where they were, if, after making soundings, they should find the depth sufficient.