About ten o’clock
asked Mrs Barnett , looking inquiringly at her companion . `` Because we shall have no more fresh water , '' replied Madge . `` Oh , we shall not want for fresh water , Madge , '' said Mrs Barnett ; `` the rain , the snow , the ice , the icebergs of the ocean , the very ice-field on which we float , will supply us with that ; no , no , that is not our danger . '' About ten o'clock Mrs Barnett and Madge had readied the rising ground above Cape Esquimaux , but at least two miles inland , for they had found it impossible to follow the coast , worn away as it was by the sea . Being rather tired with the many détours they had had to make , they decided to rest a few minutes before setting off on their return to Fort Hope . A little hill crowned by a clump of birch trees and a few shrubs afforded a pleasant shelter , and a bank covered with yellow moss , from which the snow had melted , served them as a seat . The little wallet was opened , and they shared their simple repast like sisters .