29 



CHAPTER IT. 



Moor in-shore. Open Water available. ' Pioneer' prepared for ser- 

 vice. Return of Pullen. Interpretation of Instructions. Thoughts 

 of abandoning ' Investigator.' Limits of Travelling Season. Re- 

 turn of Grove. Instructions to Richards. His Proceedings. De- 

 posits Despatches. Reaches the ' Resolute.' A Bear and Buck 

 shot. Cutter in danger. Returns to the ' Assistance.' 



ABOUT 4.15 A.M. on the 13th, it lulled, and at six it 

 had moderated sufficiently to get the boats out and make 

 fast our hawsers to our old berg-piece, which we found 

 had retained its position, and from which, deeming our- 

 selves protected from seaward by the barrier floe, we had 

 too soon withdrawn our hawsers. Truly glad were we 

 again of its important aid, and, lifting our anchor, we 

 succeeded in recovering our old position by noon. Be- 

 tween the remaining pieces which had withstood this 

 gale, and up to the beach, all the bay ice had " cleared 

 out." Very tempting docks were offered, and, had they 

 been rock, probably we should have availed ourselves of 

 the chance ; but the crush, if they moved, was too foolish 

 an experiment. Our anchors were now let go. Deter- 

 mined to hold on by this shore so long as our means 

 permitted, and to prevent further mischief by driving in 



