eight o’clock A.M.
She wished to see for herself the changes lately produced . If she had mentioned her project to the Lieutenant , he would certainly have offered to accompany her ; but she did not wish to disturb him , and decided to go without him , taking Madge with her . There was really nothing to fear , the only formidable animals , the bears , seemed to have quite deserted the island after the earthquake ; and two women might , without danger , venture on a walk of a few hours without an escort . Madge agreed at once to Mrs Barnett 's proposal , and without a word to any one they set out at eight o'clock A.M. , provided with an ice-chisel , a flask of spirits , and a wallet of provisions . After leaving Cape Bathurst they turned to the west . The sun was already dragging its slow course along the horizon , for at this time of year it would only be a few degrees above it at its culmination . But its oblique rays were clear and powerful , and the snow was already melting here and there beneath their influence .