Second Autumn in the Ice. 475 



li As yet the coals are not being touched, except for 

 the stove in the saloon, where they are to be allowed 

 to burn as much as they like this winter. The quantity 

 thus consumed will be a trifle in comparison with our 

 store of about 100 tons, for which we cannot well have 

 any other use until the Frain once more forces her 

 way out of the ice on the other side. Another thing 

 that is of no little help in keeping us warm and 

 comfortable, is the awning that is now stretched over 

 the ship.* The only part I have left open is the stern, 

 abaft the bridge, so as to be able to see round over 

 the ice from there. 



" Personally, I must say that things are going well with 

 me ; much better than I could have expected. Time 

 is a good teacher : that devouring longing does not 

 gnaw so hard as it did. Is it apathy beginning? 

 Shall I feel nothing at all by the time ten years have 

 passed ? Oh ! sometimes it comes on with all its old 

 strength as if it would tear me in pieces ! But this is 

 a splendid school of patience. Much good it does to sit 

 wondering whether they are alive or dead at home ; it 

 only almost drives one mad. 



"All the same, I never grow quite reconciled to this 



* We had no covering over the ship the first winter, as we thought it 

 would make it so dark, and make it difficult to find one's way about on 

 deck. But when we put in one the second winter, we found that it was 

 an improvement. 



