Three boys in Antarctica

Tom Bluegum was the pseudonym under which the author wrote his first book The backblocks parson in 1899. Three boys in Antarctica followed 13 years later, and a series of biographical sketches From Bark hut to pulpit in 1924.

Three boys in Antarctica is much removed in its story from Payne's other books: it is an exciting adventure yarn with all the elements that boys' adventure stories were expected to contain in the late 19th and early 20th centuries: shipwreck and loss, marooning, survival and ultimate rescue. The boys are enjoying a summer cruise in Antarctic waters with their uncle aboard his schooner Bronzewing. As the weather deteriorates they are asked to help keep a watch for icebergs, an act which saves their lives. As the storm strikes the three boys are swept from the deck as the Bronzewing is inundated by the waves. When the storm abates they find they are alone on a ledge on a large iceberg. Of Bronzewing and any adults there is no sign. However the boys, all in their late teens, are resourceful and Providence is kind to them. They discover a wrecked ship stranded on the iceberg: this provides them with resources in clothing, food and warmth as the berg drifts further southward. They are carried south and see the volcanoes of Ross Island, and eventually make landfall where an abandoned expedition hut still stocked with provisions is discovered. This from the description of its location is possibly Carsten Borchgrevink's at Cape Adare. Providence continues to watch over them as the boys, under the leadership of the eldest, battle the Antarctic hazards of blizzard and crevasses and the long Antarctic night. Rescue comes from a Japanese whaler and a ship sent in search of the Bronzewing. The boys are returned to their home in Hobart and safety.

The illustrator Arthur Twidle (1865-1936) is well known for his illustrations of Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes books and also for illustrations in Boy's Own Paper, Girl's Own Paper and many other magazines.

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