The Fur Country
Likely the leader of the expedition, introduced in the context of the fur country.
A Soiree at Fort Reliance
Introduced as the commander of the upcoming expedition to explore the northern shores of the Great Bear Lake and found a fort; described as a brave and intelligent officer, a 'child of the Company.'
II: The Hudson’s Bay Fur Company
Praised by Captain Craventy as a determined officer tasked with establishing a northern fort.
A Savant Thawed
Orders snow friction to revive Black; leads the upcoming expedition.
A Factory
Commanding the expedition; praised for his zeal and devotion, he oversees all preparations and is determined to overcome any obstacle.
From Fort Reliance to Fort Enterprise
Leads the expedition from Fort Reliance, directs the caravan northwest, and discusses the mission's importance with Sergeant Long.
A Wapiti Duel
Leads the expedition, expresses love for the Arctic winter and predicts difficulties from the thaw.
VII: The Arctic Circle
Urges the dogs onward, anxious to reach Fort Confidence; consults with Sergeant Long; orders halt and directs digging of snow houses.
The Great Bear Lake
Leads the expedition, changes route westward, and visits the Hare Indian camp to gather intelligence about the Arctic coast.
A Storm on the Lake
Struggles to navigate the storm, attempts to save Mrs. Barnett, and is rescued by Eskimo.
A Retrospect
Leads the expedition, shares historical knowledge of the Hudson's Bay Company's explorations, and guides the party down the Coppermine River.
Along the Coast
Leads the exploration, assessing game, fuel, and the abandoned encampment; decides to rest at Coronation Gulf before heading to Cape Bathurst.
XII: The Midnight Sun
Leads the expedition, decides to wait for astronomical observations, and names the river and harbor after Mrs. Barnett.
Fort Hope
Leads the construction and exploration efforts, determines the fort's site, and names the territory Victoria Land.
Some Excursions
Oversees the fortification and hunting parties, noting the abundance of bears and wolves.
Fifteen Miles from Cape Bathurst
Leads the hunting expedition, observes the tides with concern, and climbs the cliffs to survey the terrain.
XVI: Two Shots
Leads the hunting expedition and confronts the rival Canadian hunter over territorial rights and the fox.
The Approach of Winter
Observes the lack of tidal movement and organizes winter preparations, including setting traps and urging the colony to dress warmly.
The Polar Night
Insists on keeping the door shut during the storm, records the daily journal, and discusses the 'pole of cold' with Mrs. Barnett.
A Neighbourly Visit
Oversees the clearing of snow and construction of a reindeer trap; observes the geological structure of the ground; interacts with the Eskimo family and attempts to communicate with them.
Mercury Freezes
Worried about the cold, fuel supply, and volcanic rumblings; leads the colony with concern.
The Large Polar Bears
Leads the defense against the bears, organizes the removal of furs, and ultimately decides to attack when the stove pipes are broken.
Five Months More
Observes the earthquake's effects, oversees repairs, and discusses the changing landscape with Mrs. Barnett and Sergeant Long.
XXIII: The Eclipse of the 18th July 1860
Expresses deep unease about the uncanny nature of Cape Bathurst, noting the absence of stones, the clear-cut coast, and anomalously low tides; he confides his presentiments to Mrs. Barnett.
A Floating Fort
Reveals the truth about the floating island and decides to conceal it from the men.
Where Are We?
Leads the discussion about the island's drift, studies the chart of Arctic currents, and urges secrecy to avoid alarming the colonists.
A Tour of the Island
Leads the tour of the island, discusses the island's doomed fate and the Eskimo's foreknowledge, and plans to use birds as messengers.
A Night Encampment
Leads the exploration, expresses unease about the island's thin ice and instability, and rescues Sergeant Long from the water.
V: From July 25th to August 20th
Struggles with the secret of the island's sinking; insists on keeping the truth from the men; anxiously awaits winter.
VI: Ten Days of Tempest
Anxious about the island's stability; secretly plans a dangerous reconnaissance to the south with Sergeant Long to check for land.
A Fire and a Cry
Leads the perilous expedition to Cape Michael during the hurricane, reasoning that the wind may have driven the island toward the coast; lights a signal fire and hears a cry from the sea.
Mrs. Paulina Barnett's Excursion
Explores the coast with Sergeant Long, observes the widening gulf and ice breakup, and concludes the island is drifting away from the mainland.
Kalumah’s Adventures
Mentioned as having lit a signal fire seen by Kalumah; not directly present in the chapter.
X: The Kamchatka Current
Observes the island's displacement and northward drift with dismay; discusses the situation with Mrs. Barnett and Sergeant Long; watches the formation of young ice with extreme attention.
A Communication from Lieutenant Hobson
Decides to abandon Fort Hope and lead the colonists across the ice; reveals the truth to the group.
A Chance to Be Tried
Leads the preparations for the ice crossing, reveals the truth to the colonists, and assesses the dangerous ice conditions with Mrs. Barnett.
XIII: Across the Ice Field
Leads the expedition across the ice field, demonstrates courage and prudence, and ultimately decides to turn back when the crossing proves impossible.
The Winter Months
Oversees winter preparations, economizes oil, takes stellar observations, and spares the visiting polar bear.
The Last Exploring Expedition
Leads the expedition and discusses the thaw and island drift with Mrs. Barnett.
The Breakup of the Ice
Takes daily altitude observations, discusses the island's drift with Mrs. Barnett, and grows uneasy about the direction of the ice breakup.
The Avalanche
Leads the exploration of the ice field and returns to find the fort destroyed by an avalanche.
All at Work
Organizes the rescue effort, questions Mac-Nab about the house's strength, and listens for sounds from the buried victims.
XIX: Bering Sea
Takes bearings of the island, determines its position in Norton Sound, concludes that hope of making the continent is lost, and orders construction of a raft.
In the Offing
Presses construction of the raft, takes bearings, and consults with the men about whether to abandon the island.
The Island Becomes and Islet
Takes bearings, calls meetings, inspects the raft, and decides on the evacuation plan despite the emotional attachment to the island.
The Four Following Days
Leads the reconnaissance of the shrinking islet and tries to maintain order among the despairing colonists.
On a Piece of Ice
Remains heroic and decisive, suggesting the sail and leading efforts to save the colonists.
Conclusion
Leads the group to safety and expresses deep gratitude to Mrs. Barnett.
