NINE MONTHS IN THE ARCTIC. 161 



down, because he was convinced, so weak as he 

 was, and nearly worn out, if he should yield to 

 the promptings of his almost exhausted body, 

 and sit down, he would never rise up again ; and 

 therefore he continued on his U:v,t, and moving 

 about from place to place. lie warned his com- 

 panions again and again, if they valued life, not 

 to think of finding rest by sitting down, or seek- 

 ing repose in any manner ; if they should, death 

 would shortly ensue. There was " but a step 

 between us and death." 



Yet, notwithstanding the entreaties, persua- 

 sions, and warnings of Captain Norton, another 

 one was observed to falter and disposed to sit 

 down. Being but a short distance from him, we 

 perceived he made no effort to eat his biscuit, and 

 also exhibited that singular dulness and stupidity 

 which are the silent and stealthy precursors of 

 the sleep of death. He was then sitting down 

 in an easy and natural posture. The captain 

 spoke to him several times ; but he gave no an- 

 swer, nor made any movement of any kind. He 

 went to him immediately, though he was not 

 twelve feet distant, to ascertain the cause, and 

 found what we greatly feared; alas! the poor 

 fellow's eyes were set, his limbs were rigid, the 

 piece of biscuit was still in his hand. He was 

 11 



