Thus it was that the association of these youths gave rise to Pym's irresistible vocation to adventurous voyaging, and to the instinct that especially attracted him towards the high zones of the Antarctic region.

The first exploit of Augustus Barnard and Arthur Pym was an excursion on board a little sloop, the _Ariel_, a two-decked boat which belonged to the Pyms.

One evening the two youths, both being very tipsy, embarked secretly, in cold October weather, and boldly set sail in a strong breeze from the south-west.

The _Ariel_, aided by the ebb tide, had already lost sight of land when a violent storm arose.

The imprudent young fellows were still intoxicated.