84 ELISHA KENT KANE. 



resisted the mighty pressure, and held the vessel 

 with the grasp of an Atlas firmly to her icy moor- 

 ings. In vain the whole power of Eolus seemed to 

 have been let loose from his resounding caverns 

 in order to overcome the strength of the line. But 

 the angry wind-god was destined at length to con- 

 quer. At first a single strand gave way, with a 

 loud report. Then followed a second, and a third; 

 until at last the line parted entirely, and the brig 

 drifted away, almost with the velocity, of lightning, 

 with the rushing and tumultuous current of the ice- 

 covered deep. The utmost skill was necessary to 

 save the vessel from instant ruin ; and never was 

 better seamanship displayed than by that little crew 

 and their gallant commander in that great peril. Their 

 efforts were successful. After passing safely through 

 many close shaves, so close indeed that sometimes 

 it was necessary to take in the quarter-boat from its 

 davits, they reached a secure position under the 

 lee of a lofty berg, in an open and tranquil lead, 

 protected by its towering and colossal mass. 



On the 23d of August Dr. Kane had reached 78 

 41' ; and in this position he was farther north than 

 any. of his predecessors had been, except Captain 

 Parry on his celebrated Spitzbergen foot-journey. 

 His progress was now much impeded by the ice, 

 which was. becoming more and more consolidated ; 



