DR. HAYES' TERRIBLE BOAT TRIP 385 



isfied that the life-boat would not go down, we held on to the mast and gun- 

 wale to prevent the seas from washing us overboard, and in this manner 

 drifted around the cape. Here we were met by our consort. Her crew, 

 fearful that we had swamped, were gallantly beating up in smoother water 

 to our assistance. 



"It was dead calm under the cape. After bailing out some of the water, 

 we took in the sails, unshipped the mast, and pulled over to Sutherland Island 

 in search of a harbor. This little rock lies about three miles to the southeast 

 of Cape Alexander. It was found to be precipitous on its northern and 

 eastern sides, and unprotected to the south and west from the winds and 

 waves which eddied around the cape. No harbor was found here, but a little 

 farther on one was discovered. 



"We were soon ashore ; and as we looked out from the rocks on the foam- 

 ing sea, and listened to the moaning wind as it fell over the cliffs above us, 

 and to the breakers thundering against the coast, we had reason to be thankful 

 that we were once again on terra firnia. The Ironsides was hauled upon the 

 beach and capsized, to free her of her load of water. Petersen anchored the 

 Hope with a couple of heavy stones. Having no dry clothing to put on, we 

 ran about until we were a little warmed and dried; and then, pitching the 

 tent, we spread over us our water-soaked buffalo, and slept away fatigue and 

 disappointment. 



"Everything in the Ironsides was thoroughly wet. Among the articles of 

 food were a two-barrel bag of bread and our large bag of coffee. The cargo 

 of the Hope was as dry as when put on board at Cape Ohlsen. She had be- 

 haved admirably, and had weathered the gale quite comfortably. She 

 shipped more water through her leaky sides than over her gunwale. 



"The wind lulled a little in the night, but rose in the morning, and in- 

 creased again to a gale. The storm was too heavy to allow us to put to sea. 

 The wind had hauled around to the north, and the swell came into our harbor. 

 The anchorage of the Hope being thus rendered insecure, she also was dragged 

 upon the beach. Our wet cargo was spread out upon the stones to dry ; and 

 we awaited with much anxiety the breaking of the gale." 



On the 6th of September they broke camp, and finally reached Northum- 

 berland Island, where from a. high hill they viewed the country. Says 

 Hayes : 



"Before us, to our right, and to our left was ice, ice, ice. We could see 

 full forty miles ; and, although not able to determine positively the condition 



