TWO BOATS CONSTRUCTED. 643 



themselves from their icy island prison. Though thus far 

 they had been favored beyond what they could have an- 

 ticipated, and had really experienced no actual suffering, 

 the outlook was getting less promising, if not really gloomy 

 and threatening. Their provisions were slowly but surely 

 becoming exhausted and their fuel was almost used up ; 

 indeed, to make it hold out they had for some time been 

 burning parts of the ship. Hence they naturally began 

 to study out some means of escape, to be put into requisi- 

 tion so soon as the breaking up of winter should make 

 escape practicable. 



To repair the Polaris was, of course, out of the question, 

 but Mr. Chester, the first mate, suggested the idea of 

 making her remains available, by the construction of two 

 boats, as she still offered a large supply of suitable timber. 



Accordingly, an examination of the ship was made in or- 

 der to ascertain where suitable material might be got. Mr. 

 Chester, on a survey, at once conceived the idea that the 

 thin lining of the cabin might be made serviceable. Af- 

 ter it was stripped down a new difficulty presented itself. 

 The wood was all 'pierced with nails, and how the boat, af- 

 ter it was built, was to be made water-tight was the ques- 

 tion to be solved. Mr. Chester, according to the statements 

 of all the crew, was apparently able to cope with every 

 difficulty. With the assistance of the carpenter the boards 

 were put together in such a manner that obstacles which 

 at first appeared insurmountable were completely over- 

 come. During the cold spring months, when the ther- 

 mometer was twenty-three degrees below zero, frequently 

 in the midst of blinding drift, the construction of the 

 boats was proceeded with. The situation was one exceed- 

 ingly trying, and well calculated to daunt the strongest 

 hearts. Still, life depended upon the effort, and it could 

 not be relaxed. Day after day, decided progress was 

 made. Mr. Chester and Mr. John Booth, with the two 

 carpenters, did the building, assisted by others when as- 



