HAYES, HALL AND OTHER ADVENTURERS 



on the 1 8th, and this supply came like a direct blessing from Heaven 

 to recruit their strength. 



Just as it was needed! For at night, on the 2Oth, a heavy sea 

 suddenly arose, and sweeping in violent billows over the ice-floe 

 occupied by the castaways, carried off their tent, their skins, most of 

 their bed-clothing, everything, in fact, that was movable, and 

 plunged them into destitution. Only a few articles were saved, 

 which they contrived to stow in the boat; the women and children 

 were already in it, or the little ones must certainly have perished. 

 It required all the efforts of the men to save the boat. They knew 

 that their lives depended on its preservation, and this knowledge 

 inspired them to exertions which, in their enfeebled condition, were 

 almost superhuman. For twelve hours they held on to it, "like grim 

 Death;" scarcely a sound was uttered, save and except the crying of 

 the children, and Captain Tyson's order to "Hold on," "Bear down," 

 "Put on all your weight," and the responsive "Ay, ay, sir," which, 

 in this terrible crisis, came readily enough. Discipline was tempo- 

 rarily restored under the influence of danger. 



We find them, on the 22d of April, half drowned, half frozen, 

 without shelter, and without food! Had the end come? Not yet: 

 Heaven again came to their rescue; a bear was sighted, pursued, 

 killed, brought back to the "camp" in triumph, and speedily de- 

 voured. On the 28th, three young seals fell to the hunters' rifles, 

 and abundance reigned. On the same day they were cheered by the 

 appearance of a steamer working her way through the ice to the 

 southwest; and though she did not see them, it infused new hope 

 into their hearts, as it was a sign and a token that they might now 

 expect to be relieved. And, indeed, on the following day another 

 steamer was seen. Then volleys were fired; colors were hoisted; 

 loud shouts were raised; but these combined efforts failed to draw 

 her attention to the little company on the ice-raft. A third steamer 

 afterwards came in sight, but did not bring them deliverance. 



However, it was not far off. On the 3Oth, a fourth steamer was 



