1853.] REACH THE OPEN WATER. 365 



water were grounded in two fathoms at high water ! but 

 these must have had a great admixture of snow. I had 

 almost fancied that my vision of open water up to Point 

 Hogarth was not to be realized, and that my efforts after 

 all might be attended with some drawbacks. But about 

 noon I caught a glimpse between the masses of ice, and 

 felt that ah 1 was secure. This was indeed a triumph : 

 talk not of horse-races, or any games of chance ! Here 

 was a consummation to repay ah 1 my harassing labours. 

 Giving the men time for their dinner, the cheering sound 

 of " Hands make sail !" brought up many an inquiring 

 face. But there was no mistake this time : the open 

 dark blue sea was before us ! How different were the 

 feelings of forty-eight hours ! 



What the sensations were of those around, I was un- 

 able to discover; but I had the deep satisfaction of feel- 

 ing that I had, by the blessing of God, effected my object, 

 and impressed all the well-disposed men under my com- 

 mand with the determination which will, I trust, under 

 the blessing of God, enable me to do my duty, and that 

 where I decide, no puny obstacle or difference of opinion 

 shall deter me from the accomplishment of any service 

 I may deem it necessary to execute. If I had failed, no 

 disgrace or reflection could lie. Still the story would 

 run, that I made the attempt, and thus close the mouth 

 of the busy chatterer. 



The questions now discussed were uot of failure, but 

 of the hour of arrival at Beechey Island, and if we should 

 save post by the ' North Star' ! Shortly after two the 

 tow-rope was let go, and under every possible stitch of 

 canvas, the ship was making nearly seven knots. But 



