708 THE VOYAGE OF THE JE ANNETTE. 



up to his shoulders. Two openings that I tried to get 

 through closed just as I got my bow entered, and I had 

 to back out hurriedly. The ice was moving to and 

 fro in no definite direction, and seemingly under great 

 pressure. At 9.30 I was regularly brought to a stand, 

 and at ten we commenced to get our seal dinner ready. 

 At 11.30 dined. The clouds broke away a little, and a 

 light N. W. breeze sprang up. At 12.30 p. m. made a 

 fresh start, the ice opening up rapidly before increas- 

 ing wind ; strange to say the openings were west south- 

 west and southeast. I took the first named. 



To my surprise, the openings were closing rapidly, 

 and the ice was in violent motion. Twice I narrowly 

 escaped leading everybody into a trap. When we could 

 finally keep away to southwest, it was only for a short 

 time ; and, though we ran along merrily before the 

 strong breeze, we had made only six miles southwest 

 by five p. m., when the water came to an end and I had 

 to come to. The wind now freshened to a gale, thick 

 snow fell, the barometer was at 29.52 at 31°, and the 

 temperature 25°, and, wisely or not as the future 

 will show, I decided to remain where we were for the 

 night. No water which we could use was in sight, 

 and sledding is yet out of the question ; and, though 

 God knows I am anxious to proceed, I do not see how 

 I can. 



Our last ration of bread was served out to-night. 

 Since two days ago our ration of Liebig has been re- 

 duced to half an ounce per diem. Since Friday we 

 have coffee at breakfast only, and tea the other meals. 

 Dismounted No. 1 sled to carry inside. 



August 19th, Friday. — The wind howled and tore 

 around us until Ions; after midnight. The ice was mov- 

 ing rapidly by our floe, and the second cutter's and 



