On the morning of the 1st December, while the most of the crew were away at Red-Snow Valley cutting moss, Fred collected his corps dramatique for a last rehearsal in the forecastle, where they were secure from interruption, the place being so cold that no one would willingly go into it except under the force of necessity.

Mrs. Slapman, with a well-assumed appearance of levity, gave a grande soirée musicale et dramatique at her house, in honor of the event, at which Overtop was a favored guest.