CHAP. VI.] LEAK NOT REDUCED. 397 



that detached pieces of greater or less dimensions 

 were frequently encountered, they did little else 

 than produce some deviation in the line of drift. 

 Much water opened in sight to the southward and 

 to the south-west, but the breeze was W.N.W., 

 and we were driven about S.S.E. Throughout 

 the night the pump was incessantly going, by 

 which means, though the water at one time 

 gained upon us, we were enabled generally 

 to keep even with the leak, though not to 



reduce it. 



July 12th. - The wind continuing light, stud- 

 ding sails and royals were set, the ship drifting 

 as before. Some shores were placed under the 

 fore chains, in the hope that they might assist to 

 lift the ship off; but I was apprehensive that a 

 strong purchase might have the effect of tearing 

 away any fractured or splintered parts that 

 should happen to be imbedded in the ice. In- 

 deed, it was evident that great caution was 

 required in the endeavour to release her entirely 

 from her icy coating, as well on account of the 

 damage which was already known, as of the 

 further injuries that might have been sustained 

 along the keel, which we were in no condition 

 at that time to ascertain. It was, therefore, 

 determined to have recourse again to the saw, 

 which was forthwith put into order by our able 

 armourer, the whole of the crew that could be 

 spared from the pumps being, in the meantime, 



