246 TURMOIL. [CHAP.V. 



lights, was considered to be strong enough to 

 resist any ordinary force. There was no move- 

 ment of any consequence until between 9 h and 

 ll h , when after many and various sounds, the 

 entire body around to the Northward began to be 

 agitated. The motion would suddenly cease, 

 and then as suddenly recommence ; sometimes 

 far off, more frequently near the ship ; squeezing 

 up ridges of ice, and causing a most distressing 

 creaking and splitting of the lining along the 

 larboard side. The aurora showed itself in the 

 south-west in the form of an arch, from which 

 beams darted up to the zenith. 



February 27th. The time of the lowest neaps 

 having arrived, we naturally expected a few days' 

 respite, at least for the night, a boon which would 

 have been most joyfully accepted; for, the quan- 

 tity of clothing which the cutting cold rendered 

 necessary required so much time to put on, 

 that few lately had ventured to disburthen them- 

 selves of the whole, when seeking to snatch a 

 few hours of rest. It was not, however, our 

 fortune to be so indulged ; for about l h a. m. 

 the commotion and turmoil recommenced, and 

 soon forced the ship, embedded as she was, about 

 two feet astern. The creaking and crashing of the 

 ice in that short space was horrible, nor did it en- 

 tirely desist, until again closing it held us in a still 

 tighter grasp than before. After a pause of four 



