Lost in the land of ice

“Lost in the Land of Ice” relates the adventures of a boy and a young man who, in company with a sturdy ship’s crew, go in search of a lost treasure ship said to be cast away somewhere in the region of the South Pole. Fortunately the young man who plays such an important part in the narrative is rich, hence the fitting out of the expedition becomes a comparatively easy matter. But enemies hear of the lost treasure ship and also go in quest of it, and this results in scenes of peril not altogether due to natural causes.

My main object in writing this tale was to acquaint young readers with something of the wonders of the region around the South Pole. While numerous expeditions have been sent north and volumes upon volumes have been written concerning these trips, hardly any expeditions have gone south, and the Land of Desolation, so called, is almost as much of a mystery to-day as it was a century ago, the nearest approach to the Pole being made by Sir James Clark Ross in 1842, and this being but little closer than the approach by Wendell, in 1823. It is indeed a Land of Desolation, yet to-day scientists and daring explorers are accomplishing so much that I believe the near future will see the mystery of both the South and the North Pole cleared away, in spite of the ice, the intense cold, and other drawbacks.

In placing this new story in the hands of my youthful readers, I thank them for their appreciation of my former efforts to interest them and trust this volume will fulfil their every expectation.

Captain Ralph Bonehill.