88 THE SCHOONER CRIPPLED. 



the stern-post was started, fragments of the cut-water 

 and keel were floating alongside of us in the sea, and, 

 to all appearances, we were in a sinking condition. 



Our first duty was to man the pumps. 



We were many hours among the ice, tortured with 

 doubt and uncertainty. We had to move with great 

 caution. The crippled condition of the schooner 

 warned us to use her gently. She would bear no 

 more thumps. Forward we could not go, because 

 of the ice ; retreat we must, for it was absolutely 

 necessary that we should get to the land and find 

 shelter somewhere. The rudder was no longer availa- 

 ble, and we were obliged to steer with a long " sweep." 



The wind hauled more and more to the eastward, 

 and spread the ice. Although at times closely beset 

 and once severely " nipped," yet, by watching our op- 

 portunity, we crept slowly out of the pack, and, after 

 twenty anxious hours, got at last into comparatively 

 clear water, and headed for Hartstene Bay, where we 

 found an anchorage. 



The damag-e to the schooner was less than we had 

 feared. A more careful examination showed that no 

 timbers were broken, and the seams in a measure 

 closed of themselves. Once at anchor, and finding 

 that we were in no danger of sinking, I allowed all 

 hands to take a rest, except such as vrere needed at 

 the pumps. They were all thoroughly worn out. 



On the following day a still further inspection of 

 the vessel was made ; and, although apparently unfit 

 for any more ice-encounters, she could still float with 

 a little assistance from the pumps. One hour out of 

 every four kept the hold clear. 



Such repairs as it was in our power to make were 

 at once begun. We could do very little without 



'^ 



