374 THE GERMAN ARCTIC EXPEDITION. 



"with much difificulty tlirough the still drifting snow to 

 land. The observatory and its roof were still there, but 

 they were both, as well as the thermometer-case, full of 

 snow. It would have been most interesting could we have 

 ascertained the actual force of the storm, as Robinson's 

 anemometer would give it. But what a disaster ! the 

 wings had been blown off. Breathless, without any 

 result, and most picturesquely snowed over, did the 

 gentlemen return, — and only just in time, for the storm 

 rose again with undiminished strength; indeed, from 

 nine a.m. until eleven p.m. it seemed trying to outdo 

 itself. 



We turned up our collars, and waded in our fur boots 

 through the snow, looking carefully round on all sides. 

 Everything was fast as yet. But the storm seemed to 

 know no end, and at short intervals squall upon squall 

 thundered down on to the ship : one could feel the deck 

 quiver under one's feet. 



Attentively we listen to the raging concerts, to see if 

 we can catch any signs of abatement. Every fresh squall 

 seems to be the last, as it rumbles and dies away in the 

 distance. We listen anxiously — one — two — three minutes ! 

 but again we can distinguish in the regular blustering 

 and grumbling another tone, and before we have time to 

 consider a fresh and stronger tempest howls and roars, 

 around us. With anxious glances at the threatened 

 tent-roof we leave the deck and go below, seat ourselves 

 at the table, and take a book. But reading is impossible. 

 It is already late in the evening, and we can take refuge- 

 in our berths. But sleep will not come. Everything 

 about us is in a constant tremble ; the stone and glasses 

 clatter, and now and then a stronger shock rouses us 



