GATHERING UP FRAGMENTS 333 



great noise outside my tent. The wind had risen, 

 and the men were busy securing my canvas tent 

 and seeing to the safety of our boat. We are on 

 the edge of a large floe, the inside part of which 

 may be driven from the land. Should this happen 

 nothing remains but to pack up, get in our boat 

 as quickly as possible, and make our way to some 

 more secure shelter. The wind blew strong all 

 day, but we remained safe. I had prayers with our 

 friends morning and evening. This, I need hardly 

 say, is a great help and comfort to us." 



" Monday, June 23. The wind is driving the ice 

 from the shore, so we hope to be able to proceed 

 on the morrow. Three bears were seen on a large 

 floe. Our Eskimo friends, however, much to their 

 grief could not reach them, as the wind was too 

 strong, and the ice was driven along at a great speed." 



" Tuesday, June 24. One of the men shot a seal 

 on the shore ice a great treat, as we were getting 

 short of fresh meat. Found a mast of some ship 

 wrecked in the past. Cut up some of this for fire- 

 wood. Wind moderated, and then came, on to blow 

 from seaward. Ice was driving in upon us, so we 

 packed up and got away about 11 p.m. No night 

 here now, so we can travel when we see a favourable 

 opportunity." 



"Friday, June 7. Saw three bears, all, however, 

 ran away before we could get near them. Tried 

 in the early part of the day to force our way through 



