CHAPTER XV. 



IN THE BOATS. 



G— 30 August, 1881. 



Leaving Bennett Island. — The Island Disappearing from Sight. — 

 Loading the Boats. — Orders to Mr. Melville. — Reduction of Lug- 

 gage. — Loss of Dogs. — Two only Remain. — Following Leads. — 

 Inventory of Provisions. — Snow-Storm. — Camping on the Ice. — 

 Appearance of Land. — Shut In. — The Last Ration of Bread. — A 

 Good Run. — Fog. — Preparations for Open Water. — Distribu- 

 tion of Effects. — Instructions to Mr. Chipp and Mr. Melville. — 

 Wearisome Waiting. — Dependence on Tobacco. — Between Two 

 Islands. — The Ice Breaking Up. — Shoal Water. — Land. 



August 6th, Saturday. — Called all hands at six. 

 Breakfasted at seven. A gale of wind from N. W. 

 Snow squalls. Bright sunshine in spots, and generally 

 a queer day. Barometer 29.70 at 32°. Temperature 

 27°. Mountain side covered with snow. Excellent 

 time azimuth obtained, to be worked out hereafter. 

 Turned to at eight, and immediately commenced prep- 

 arations for departure. At 9.30 I started with the first 

 cutter full of goods and chattels, and sailed across two 

 miles of water before reaching the hard ice on the 

 other side. Then sent the boat back under oars, and 

 in like manner the second cutter and whaleboat as 

 they arrived ; but each boat had to make two trips, 

 and it was not until 2.45 p. m. that the last boat towing 

 the dingy reached the ice, and Bennett Island was left 

 behind us for a full due. I had dinner all ready and 



