CHAPTER VIII.

DREAMS OF A NORTH-WEST PASSAGE.

Stock rises--Jealousy aroused--Arthur Dobbs, Esq.--An ingenious attack--Appeal to the "Old Worthies"--Captain Christopher Middleton--Was the Company in earnest? The sloop _Furnace_--Dobbs' fierce attack--The great subscription--Independent expedition--"Henry Ellis, gentleman"--"Without success"--Dobbs' real purpose 61