Peterkin was on a voyage of discovery, and one of his chief objects
seemed to be to keep clear of the ice, which had grown very heavy indeed.

It was a delightful holiday for the children as yet, but for the
professor a time of harder work than many know anything about at all. It
was really wonderful how this busy little man found time to play with the
children, with Flossy and with the dogs, or even to play his fiddle. But
this, he would have told you, was his way of taking exercise; and he told
Pansy that if it were not for her he didn't think he should ever be able
to find the island of gold he was in search of.

Do not think, though, it was all and always plain sailing. There were
dangers of many kinds. Sometimes storms would suddenly rise and blow for
a day or two at a stretch. At such times the sun was hidden, and the
cold became intense. The waves that broke on board were turned into ice,
covering the decks and bows, and giving to the ship a wondrous
appearance.

One evening, after a gale like this had blown over, the stowaways, who
had not dared to show face all day, were told to come up on deck.

What a sight! Why, the _Valhalla_ was like a ghost-ship. The decks were
white, and the bulwarks too. Every rope and stay seemed made of frosted
silver, while great icicles hung everywhere around.

It was very dark this evening, so that the children at first could hardly
see anything. But Pete soon had them all hoisted up on to the bridge.

And now he turned on the electric and coloured lights--crimson, blue, and
orange. Then, what a sight was there! It was one that caused Pansy and