482 THE PROGRESS OF MARITIME DISCOVERY. 
laid open to the mariners of England. It was about. the begin- 
ning of August, and the spiritless crew considering the passage 
accomplished, urged an immediate return; but Hudson was 
determined on completing the adventure, and wintering if pos- 
sible on the sunny shores of India. 
Three months long he continued tracking the coasts of that 
vast northern Mediterranean, now for the first time explored by 
civilised man, vainly hoping to see a new channel opening to the 
west, until at length November came and imprisoned his small 
vessel in adamantine fetters. A long and dreary winter awaited 
the ice-bound seamen, with almost exhausted provisions, and 
unfortunately without that heroic patience and serene concord 
which had sustained the sufferings of Barentz and his companions. 
It must indeed have been a melancholy winter for poor Hudson, 
solitary and friendless among scowling ruffians, hating him as 
the cause of their bitter misery; but spring came at last with its 
consolatory sunshine, and hope once more dawned in his tortured 
breast. The ship is again afloat, and on the 21st of June, 1611, 
the captain comes forth from his cabin, refreshed by the sleep of 
a quiet conscience, and strong in body and mind to meet the 
duties of the day. But as he steps on deck his arms are sud- 
denly pinioned, and he finds himself in the power of a mutinous 
crew. He looks around for some trace of sympathy, but hatred 
meets him in every eye. Inquiry, remonstrance, entreaty, 
command, all alike fail to move their stubborn resolution, and 
now Hudson resigns himself bravely to his fate, with all the 
quiet dignity of a noble nature, and looks calmly at the ominous 
preparations going forward. A small open boat is in waiting, 
and into this he is lowered, some powder and shot and the car- 
penter’s box come next, followed by the carpenter himself, a 
strong brave fellow, the captain’s one devoted adherent among 
the rebellious crew; the sick and infirm complete the unfor- 
tunate cargo. A signal is given, the boat is cast adrift, and 
soon the last faint cry for mercy expires in the breeze which 
carries the vessel onwards on its homeward course. 
Thus perished the high-minded Hudson, without further 
tiding or trace, on the scene of his glory; but the vengeance of 
heaven soon overtook the ringleaders of that dark conspiracy. 
Some fell in a fight with the Eskimos, and others died on the 
