CHAP. V.] AWFUL PERIL. 231 



singular openings suddenly appeared in sight, 

 and were soon followed by another of those loud 

 rushing noises, known by experience to be the 

 forerunners of evil. The thermometer was 40° — , 

 and the weather very cold. 



February 20th. For three hours after mid- 

 night the ice opened and shut, especially on the 

 starboard beam and quarter, where mounds and 

 heaps were squeezed up alarmingly near the 

 ship, but without in any manner disturbing her, 

 beyond an occasional concussion and squeaking 

 pressure under the counter. But at 4 h a. m., 

 the whole of the ice was in motion, producing 

 instantaneous fissures, and, among these, an actual 

 separation of the ice along the starboard side, 

 extending beyond the bow, and throwing down 

 every thing in its way. Some of the galleries 

 were now floating in the water, looking like 

 tunnels. To find ourselves at freedom to move, 

 would, tw r o months later, have been the summit 

 of our wishes; but now we saw it with reluctance, 

 as it only mocked us with a hope which could 

 not be realized, while it involved us in immedi- 

 ate peril. At 7 h a. m., the ice returning with 

 accumulated force made the ship crack fore and 

 aft with a hideous creaking that for some seconds 

 held us in suspense for the result. My cabin 

 door could with difficulty be forced open, and 

 was split with the pressure. The people, in 



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