The World of Ice

ce-Preparations for wintering in

s was her getting aground near the ravine of the giant flagstaff before mentioned, and being finally beset by ice, from which

zement, and a few of the more superstitious amongst them with awe approaching to

the moment he caught sight of it, "if there b

nity inspired by the magnificent view which opened up to them, and partly from a suspicion on the pa

her in compact, immovable masses. At first Captain Guy was not seriously alarmed by this untoward event, although he felt a little chagrin in consequence of the detention, for the summer was rapidly advancing, and it behoved him to return

he southward, leaving a comparatively clear sea through which he could have pushed his way without much difficulty in any direction; but the solid masses in whic

fter breakfast, "I'll try what can be done by blasting the ice. The highest

his heel and walked forward, where he found Bu

ctions, "you don't need to conclude your speech, captain. If we don't ge

of his head as he looked up from the log-book in which he was making a

urns, and having double allowance of hot coffee served out to them. We may mention here that the Dolphin carried no spirits, except what was needed for medicinal purposes, and for fuel to several small cooking lamps that had been recently invented. It had now been proved by many voyagers of experience that in cold countries, as well a

ation from long imprisonment, no impression worth mentioning could be made

ards in the centre, and fell back in huge fragments. So far the result was satisfactory, and the men were immediately set to sink several charges in various directions around the vessel, to be in readiness for the highest tide, which was soon expected. Warps and hawsers were also got out and fixed to the seaward masses, ready to heave on them at a moment's notice; the ship was lightened as much as

, and slowly, as if it grudged to

it. "I don't think it'll rise another hinch,

ows a sight better than you do,

im, who was also be

n last night-if it wasn't yisturday forenoon, for it's meself as niver knows an hour o' t

" muttered Buzzby, who had charge of the gang; "t

though the former seemed to be only partly raised from the ground. The men were at their several posts ready for i

re!" he said i

if some leviathan of the deep were rising from beneath it, and

with a will!" ro

At that moment a heavy block of ice, which had been overbalanced by the motion of the vessel, fell with a crash on th

our lives!" cried the captain

sheet of ice right ahead which the ship could not clear, but which she was pushing

er the side and assisted to cut into the unwieldy obstruction. The charge was soon fixed and fired, but it only split the block in two and left it

hich, on almost all other occasions characterized them, showed too plainly how heavily the prospect of a winter in the Arctic Regions weighed upon their spirits. They continued their exertions to free the ship, however, for several days after the high tide, and did not finally give in until all reasonable hop

sank again as his hopes decayed. But poor Fred, like the others, at last discovered that it wa

entiously try! Well would it be for all of us could we submit to such, not only because they are inevitable, but because

hers laughed and treated it lightly; a few grumbled and spoke profanely; but most of them became quickly reconciled, and in a week or two nearly all forgot the past and the future in the duties, and cares, and amusements o

ld subdue. There were, indeed, myriads of wild-fowl flying about the ship, on which the men feasted and grew fat every day; and the muskets of Meetuck and those who accompanied him seldom failed to supply the ship with an abundance of the flesh of seals, walruses, and Polar bears, portions of all of which creatures were considered very good indeed by the men,

bitterly intense that, after a prolonged sojourn, men's minds become almost entirely engrossed by two clamant demands of nature-food and heat. They had only a small quantity of coal on board, and nothing except a few extra spars that could be used as a s

ew, from long experience and observation, that in order to keep up the morale of any body of men it was absolutely necessary to maintain the strictest discipline. Indeed, this rule is so universal in its application, that many men find it advantageous to impose strict rules on themselves in the regulation of their time and affai

se to attend; but as necessary labour preponderated at all times, and the reading of prayers occupied scarce half-an-hour, there was little perceptible difference between the Sabbath and any other day. We would not be understood to speak lightly of thi

ceful one-Captain Guy, having read part of the Church of England

nothing about it at all. Before the winter is done your energies and endurance will probably be taxed to the uttermost. I think it right to be candid with you. The life before you will not be child's play, but I assure you that it may be mingled with much that will be pleasant and hearty if you choose to set about it in the right way. Well, then, to be short about it. There is no chance whatever of our getting through the winter in this ship comfortably, or even safely, unless the strictest discipline is maintained aboard. I know, for I've bee

that convinced their leader he had their entire confidence-a matter of the

rules. They are few, but

ning before breakfast, unless circums

the paper, and looke

the blessing and guidance of the Almighty, and I am persuaded that it is our duty

tches regularly set and relieved, regular hours observed, and the

ore, except when required to do otherwise. The log-books, and

ty of the crew or ship shall be implicated, he will, if the men are so disposed, call a council of the whole crew, in which case the decision of the majority shall be

ion of a council to be appointed specially for the purpose of framing a

foot of the page, against which their names were written by the captain in presence of witnesses, which answered the same purpose. A