A SAIL IN SIGHT. 637 



Meyer took an observation yesterday. Latitude 53 30 f 

 north. Snowed all night and this afternoon. Cleared up 

 this afternoon, but remains thick and somewhat cloudy. 

 Plenty of water all around, but cannot get to it. All well. 



"April 28. Gale of wind sprung up from the west. 

 Heavy sea running; water washing over the floe. All 

 ready and standing by our boat all night. Not quite so 

 bad as the other night. Snow squalls all night and during 

 forenoon. Launched the boat at daylight (3.30 A. M.), 

 but could get nowhere for the ice. Heavy sea and head 

 wind ; blowing a gale right in our teeth. Hauled up on a 

 piece of* ice at 6 A. M., and had a few hours' sleep, but 

 were threatened to be smashed to pieces by some bergs. 

 They were fighting quite a battle in the water, and bearing 

 right for us. We called the watch, launched the boat and 

 got away, the wind blowing moderately and the sea going 

 down. We left at 1 P. M. The ice is much slacker, and 

 there is more water than I have seen yet. Joe shot three 

 young bladder-nosed seals on the ice coming along, which 

 we took in the boat. 4.30, steamer right ahead and a little 

 to the north of us. We hoisted the colors, pulled until 

 dark, trying to cut her off, but she does not see us. She is 

 a sealer, bearing southwest. Once she appeared to be 

 bearing right down upon us, but I suppose she was work- 

 ing through the ice. What joy she caused ! We found a 

 small piece of ice and boarded it for the night. Night 

 calm and clear. The stars are out the first time for a 

 week, and there is a new moon. The sea quiet, and 

 splendid northern lights. Divided into two watches, four 

 hours' sleep each ; intend to start early. Had a good pull 

 this afternoon ; made some westing. Cooked with blubber 

 fire. Kept a good one all night, so that we could be seen. 



" April 29. Morning fine and calm ; the water quiet. 

 At daylight sighted the steamer five miles off. Called the 

 watch, launched the boat and made for her. After an 

 hour's pull gained on her a good deal ; another hour, and 



