326 Chapter VI. 



Ocean of this there can be no doubt. And have not I 

 found that things go exactly as I calculated they would 

 whenever we get a favourable wind ? Have not many 

 before us had to wait for wind ? And as to vanity 

 -that is a child's disease, got over long ago. All calcu- 

 lations, with but one exception, have proved correct. 

 We made our way along the coast of Asia, which many 

 prophesied we should have great difficulty in doing. We 

 were able to sail farther north than I had dared to hope 

 for in my boldest moments, and in just the longitude I 

 wished. We are closed in by the ice, also as I wished. 

 The Frain has borne the ice-pressure splendidly, and 

 allows herself to be lifted by it without so much as 

 creaking, in spite of being more heavily loaded with 

 coal, and drawing more water than we reckoned on when 

 we made our calculations ; and this after her certain 

 destruction and ours was prophesied by those most 

 experienced in such matters. I have not found the ice 

 higher nor heavier than I expected it to be ; and the 

 comfort, warmth, and good ventilation on board are far 

 beyond my expectations. Nothing is wanting- in our 

 equipment, and the food is quite exceptionally good. As 

 Blessing and I agreed a few days ago, it is as good as at 

 home ; there is not a thing we long for ; not even the 

 thought of a beefsteak a la Chateaubriand, or a pork 

 cutlet with mushrooms, and a bottle of Burgundy, can 

 make our mouths water ; we simply don't care about 

 such things. The preparations for the expedition cost me 



