DR. HAYES' TERRIBLE BOAT TRIP 389 



and pulling towards it through the thin ice and sludge. Before its character 

 became clear, we were within a hundred yards of a low sandy beach, covered 

 with boulders. Two burgomaster-gulls flew overhead while we were break- 

 ing through the young ice along the shore ; and they were brought down by 

 the unerring gun of Petersen. These supplied us with food, of which we stood 

 greatly in need. 



"The boats were drawn up above the tide; and we piled the cargo to- 

 gether on the rocks, and covered it with one of the sails. The tent was 

 pitched near by; and with another sail an awning was spread in front, so 

 shelter the cook and to protect the lamp. This precaution was well timed, for 

 it soon began to blow hard from the southwest, the wind being accompanied 

 with hail. We brought our clothes-bags under the awning, and changed our 

 wet garments before retiring to the tent. 



"We had not tasted food for more than four and twenty hours. While 

 we were engaged with our meal, our tent was almost blown over. Some 

 time elapsed before everything could be made safe. An additional guy was 

 placed on the windward side, and those at the ends were fastened to heavier 

 stones. The awning was also tightened; and everything being thus ren- 

 dered apparently secure, we once more drew our heads under cover. We 

 could do nothing for our brave cook but give him some dry clothing, the best 

 place in the tent, and our thanks. 



"It was still snowing hard; the wind had increased to a gale, and as it 

 went moaning above the plain, it carried up into the air great white clouds, 

 and pelted mercilessly the side of our tent with sleet and hail. I put my head 

 out of the door; I could not see fifty yards. The boats were nearly covered 

 by a great drift, and our cargo was almost buried out of sight. It was not 

 due to ourselves that we were not at sea in that fearful storm. We knew 

 not even where we were. We came by no will of our own. There was a 

 Providence in it. - 



"I was too much fatigued to make the circuit of the island; and I am, 

 therefore, not able to add anything to the chart of Captain Inglefielci-, who, 

 in the little steamer Isabella, ran up the channel in August, 1852. The clififs 

 above us were composed of sandstone and slate, resting on primitive rock, 

 which was visible near our camp. About a quarter of a mile above us were 

 discovered two well built Eskimo huts, which appeared to have been recently 

 occupied. 



"Hoping that fortune would continue to favor our effort, we retired 



