KAKSIMiUT. 261 



we had already learnt to recognize on the other side of 

 the ice, and of which in our homely latitudes, we can form 

 no idea. But the burning red clouds boded no good ; 

 and, indeed, we tacked the next day in a pretty strong 

 wind and thick fog. 



As it cleared on the 29th of July, we could see far 

 away the bergs of the Greenland coast. On the 30th, 

 the Constance took a westerly course. Towards evening, 

 the well-known rushing of breakers on the ice struck our 

 ears. Soon the barrier was before us, but the floes lay 

 far apart ; and how different they looked ! Jagged and 

 crumbling, small, and to our eyes insignificant, they drifted 

 about, the sport of the waves. Once more we heard the 

 well-known command on the ice, " floe upon floe, keep 

 back !" Herds of seals which lay upon them lifted their 

 heads curiously. They should not want a farewell 

 greeting ; and soon the needle-gun resounded, sending 

 death to the harmless creatures, for the last time on our 

 voyage. 



Behind us lay the ice, which closed u]D, forming a 

 blinding white strip ; and the Greenland icebergs, gilded 

 with the setting sun, sent us their parting greeting. 

 They sank deeper and deeper ; the veil of night spread 

 over all ; and when we came on deck the following day, 

 we were in latitude 65° 11', on the high sea in Davis 

 Straits. "31st July. No more ice! Set southwards, 

 and — heavenly music of the word — homewards !" 



This is the last note in my day-book. I write it with 

 feelings too deep for expression. A few weeks more, 

 and all we have gone through will lie behind us, and all 

 that we have suffered (if God will) be at an end ! Bat 

 how long will this trial of our patience last? 



