NINE MONTHS IN THE ARCTIC. 219 



favorable hope ! How weak and superficial the 

 foundation which engrossing and prevailing ap- 

 prehensions would not instantly sweep away and 

 scatter to the winds ! Indeed, whatever conclu- 

 sions might have been drawn respecting the fate 

 of the Citizen, her officers, and crew, how small 

 encouragement there was in the whole field of 

 imaginary probabilities in their favor, to relieve 

 the minds of those at home from the constantly 

 pressing weight of corroding anxiety and distress- 

 ing solicitude respecting them ! 



Uncertainty and suspense with regard to an 

 important event is one of the most trying states 

 of mind in which an individual can be placed. 

 How true this is when the life of some friend 

 appears to be suspended upon the slightest 

 possible contingency ! Now indications seem 

 auspicious and hopeful ; then, again, adverse 

 and threatening symptoms dissipate every cher- 

 ished anticipation. 



Instances have been recorded in which those 

 who were shipwrecked and threatened with in- 

 stant death on every side, while the prospect of 

 deliverance was exceedingly small or absolutely 

 cut off, have even desired the approaching crisis, 

 however decisive it might be, whether of life or 

 death, as far less distressing than the dreadful 

 suspense which for hours, and even days, hung 

 over them. 



