Second Autumn in the Ice. 489 



ing by various accomplished performers on the organ, 

 among whom Bentzen specially distinguished himself, 

 his late experiences on the ice with the crank-handle* 

 having put him in first-rate training. Every now r and 

 then the music dragged a bit, as though it were being 

 hauled up from an abyss some 1,000 or 1,500 fathoms 

 deep ; then it would quicken and get more lively, as it 

 came nearer to the surface. At last the excitement rose 

 to such a pitch, that Pettersen and I had to get up and 

 have a dance, a waltz, and a polka or two ; and we really 

 executed some very tasteful pas dc deux on the limited 

 floor of the saloon. Then Amundsen also w r as swept 

 into the mazes of the dance, while the others played 

 cards. Meanwhile refreshments were served in the form 

 of preserved peaches, dried bananas, figs, honey-cakes, 

 etc., etc. In short, we made a jovial evening of it, and 

 why should we not ? We are progressing merrily 

 towards our goal, we are already half-way between the 

 New Siberian Islands and Franz Josef Land, and there is 

 not a soul on board who doubts that we shall accomplish 

 what we came out to do ; so long live merriment. 



" But the endless stillness of the polar night holds its 

 sway aloft ; the moon, half full, shines over the ice, and 

 the stars sparkle brilliantly overhead ; there are no 

 restless northern lights, and the south wind sighs mourn- 

 fully through the rigging. A deep, peaceful stillness 



* Used in hoisting up the lead-line. 



