In fact he entertained no doubt of reaching the pole itself.
In the first place, not a single iceberg is to be seen on this fantastic sea.

Innumerable flocks of birds skim its surface, among them is a pelican which is shot.

On a floating piece of ice is a bear of the Arctic species and of gigantic size.

At last land is signalled.

It is an island of a league in circumference, to which the name of Bennet Islet was given, in honour of the captain's partner in the ownership of the _Jane_.
Naturally, in proportion as the schooner sailed southwards the variation of the compass became less, while the temperature became milder, with a sky always clear and a uniform northerly breeze.
Needless to add that in that latitude and in the month of January there was no darkness.
The _Jane_ pursued her adventurous course, until, on the 18th of January, land was sighted in latitude 83 deg.