84 CREW EMPLOYED IN 



mit. The sails were furled, and the ship again 

 thrown on the chances of what might befall 



The wind decreased during the night, and at 

 daylight of September 5th there was a calm. 

 We found also that we had drifted considerably 

 nearer the land, which was high, and thinly and 

 partially covered with snow. Fife Rock was 

 just visible to the north. Lanes of water were 

 seen at different points of the compass along 

 shore ; and, though they were rather far apart, 

 and of no great extent, the usual trial was made 

 to reach them, but again without success. The 

 last resource therefore was adopted. The whole 

 of the officers and men were despatched, under 

 the orders of Lieutenant Smyth, to the only 

 open water at all near ; and with axes, ice chi- 

 sels, handspikes, and long poles, began the la- 

 bouring process of cutting away the ' sludge ' 

 that bound the pieces together, and removing 

 them into the clear space. In this service 

 they were frequently obliged to fasten lines to 

 the heavier masses and haul them out \ and, 

 though slipping and tumbling about, yet the 

 light-hearted fellows pulled in unison to a cheer- 

 ful song, and laughed and joked with the un- 

 reflecting merriment of schoolboys. Every now 

 and then some luckless wight broke through 

 the thin ice, and plunged up to his neck ; an- 



