402 AWKWARDNESS OF SITUATION. [CHAP.V 



asked, and when answered in the negative, there 

 was still a manifestation of hope. Our fate, how- 

 ever, yet hung in suspense, for not in the 

 smallest degree did the ship right ; happily for 

 us there was a dead calm, which permitted us 

 to examine the berg. 



At the only part along the side, where 

 we could effectively act, it was found to be 

 four fathoms thick, and along this it was deter- 

 mined to cut with the saw, if, providentially, 

 time were spared us for the operation. On 

 going; round outside with the first Lieutenant, 

 I counted nearly fourteen planks below the 

 filled- up part of the main chains to the edge 

 of the water, the angle of inclination being about 

 twenty-five degrees, while on the lee side I stepped 

 from the boat's thwart on deck. Looking at 

 the bottom, we perceived that the keel, from the 

 fore-foot aft, was torn and ragged, but to what 

 extent the damage extended could not yet be 

 ascertained. The exceeding awkwardness of 

 our situation occasioned some difficulty in 

 slinging and placing the stages and sheers for 

 sawing, but this was surmounted ; and by Ll h a.m. 

 the work was begun, and went on cheerily. 

 The men were told that much depended on their 

 exertions, and were encouraged to finish their 

 task the same day. Provisions were issued on 

 deck, and weak grog supplied occasionally j and 

 thus fortified, and assisted by the officers, they 



