ONE MORE EFFORT. 321 



one sledge is superfluous. And now when I think of 

 this new trial which I shall make to-morrow, my 

 hopes revive ; but when I remember the fruitless 

 struggles of the past few days and think of these 

 hummocks, with peak after peak rising one above the 

 other, and with ridge after ridge in endless succession 

 intersecting each other at all angles and in all direc- 

 tions, I must own that my heart almost fails me and 

 my thoughts incline me to abandon the effort and re- 

 treat from what everybody, from Jensen down, says 

 cannot be done, and rely upon the schooner for cross- 

 ing the Sound. But I have not failed yet ! I 

 have fourteen dogs and three picked men left to me ; 

 and now, abandoning myself to the protecting care of 

 an all-wise Providence, who has so often led me to 

 success and shielded me from danger, I renew the 

 struggle to-morrow with hope and determination. 

 Away with despondency ! 



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