530 THE VOYAGE OF THE JEANNETTE. 



with the keel. At the same time we noticed that our 

 snow walls were an inch or two away from the sides, as 

 if an opening and spreading outward were about to oc- 

 cur. We can but await developments, as we did in 

 the fall of 1879, for I have long since ceased to build 

 any castles in the air on probabilities or possibilities. 



March 22d, Tuesday. — The doctor communicated to 

 me to-day some matters in relation to Mr. Danenhower's 

 case, which I consider proper to enter here at length. 

 The doctor considers that the diseased eye is in such a 

 condition that no improvement will take place in it un- 

 less a very serious operation is performed, though no 

 assurance can be given that this operation will be suc- 

 cessful. Still, under favorable circumstances of surround- 

 ings, appliances, and hospital treatment the operation 

 would be considered advisable, and no hesitation w r ould 

 be felt. Here, how r ever, the situation is unfavorable. 

 The doctor has no proper instruments in the first place ; 

 and finally, if any mishap should occur by which w r e 

 were turned out on the ice without a ship, the eye would 

 be in a worse condition and would suffer more than if 

 let alone. For as it now is, it can be kept at least from 

 growing worse. Danenhower can see with one eye, the 

 right ; is in fair physical condition ; is not absolutely 

 helpless; and, in the event of disaster, stands a better 

 chance of safety than if he were disabled by an opera- 

 tion of which the ultimate benefit is more or less doubt- 

 ful. I have no hesitation in approving the doctor's 

 views, and in asserting that Danenhower's case is best 

 dealt with in leaving it judiciously alone. 



It would be difficult to find a more perfect day than 

 we have had. Light airs, clear sky, a bright sun, and 

 hard, firm walking, go to make up an Arctic Paradise. 

 So bright and warming was the sun that the tempera- 



