336 THE GERMAN AECTIO EXPEDITION. 



longed-for evening meal was over, tliere remained one or 

 two hours of enjoyment in each other's society, which we 

 generally passed in skating. If the ice had not that 

 mirror-face which our own fresh-water lakes present, still 

 it had its charms. We then settled down to friendly 

 conversation, as we were accustomed to do in our own 

 country, some adepts, others novices, but all eager to 

 learn the art. 



The fate of the Hansa, too, troubled us, giving us con- 

 stant room for conjecture, though having but little real 

 fear for her. For comforting circumstances greatly pre- 

 ponderated, and it would have been unnatural with such, 

 if we had not believed in the lucky stars of our comrades 

 and their tried captain. Added to this, the present had 

 such constant claims upon us that we had no time for 

 moping. To keep out the snow and wind, and also to 

 keep in the warmth, a tent of strong sail-cloth was 

 stretched over the ship; and finally a three-inch-thick 

 layer of moss was spread over the deck. The tent-roof 

 had been prepared before our departure, so it had only 

 to be put up. Where it was bolted we placed upright 

 supports, so that even there we might walk upright, and 

 from these the roof rose almost obliquely to the top, 

 which was composed of the maiuboom and the mizzen- 

 boom placed longitudinally. From the foremast it de- 

 scended to the forestays, and with that down to the 

 bows, ending over the stern with a more perpendicular 

 gable. 



As has already been said, this was composed of the 

 strongest sail-cloth; and the different parts were so 

 firmly put together that we dared to hope it would resist 

 the storm ; and the more so as the sharp front lay towards 



