He fumbled about in Sam's baggage until he felt something hard and round and cold.

He drew out a little circular brass box about two and a half inches in diameter, with a glass top to it.

It was Sam's compass.

He tried hard to raise the glass in some way, but failed.

Finally, with much fear, lest he should awaken some of the boys, he struck the glass with the end of his heavy Jack knife and broke it.