NINE MONTHS IN THE ARCTIC. 221 



among the living; but at the same time, as 

 if to extinguish every spark of hope, the imagi- 

 nation could hardly picture or conceive a condi- 

 tion in which they could live in the arctic regions. 

 While " hoping against hope," and even beyond 

 it, because hope is the only preservative against 

 despair, yet it seemed as if forlornness stood 

 ready to mock the fugitive idea that it could be 

 well with them. 



Thus more than twelve months rolled their 

 rounds, and no ray of light was shed upon this 

 dark event of Providence. 



How many times the relatives met to talk over 

 this common affliction and calamity ! to min- 

 gle together their sympathies, for adversity binds 

 kindred hearts ! to send up united desires to God 

 that deliverance in some way which they knew 

 not, but which Infinite Wisdom only knew, might 

 be wrought out for the husband, and sons, and 

 brothers, if still in being ! 



If meetings and partings, however, brought no 

 outward, substantial relief, nor removed in the 

 least degree the same appalling uncertainty which 

 enshrouded the future, this great truth they 

 learned in many sleepless nights, and tedious 

 days, weeks, and months — that they should 

 " trust in God," and stay themselves upon his 

 mighty hand. 



