OLD WHALING DAYS. 189 



One day when the boats were away, two of us had a 

 lively chase after a bear in the water. There were some 

 large pieces of ice, and I tried to get nearer to the 

 animal by going between two large sconces. They closed 

 upon us, and crushed in both sides of the boat. We were 

 in a dangerous predicament, as we had to jump on the ice 

 and hold the boat to keep it from sinking until two others 

 came to our assistance, and towed us on to the beach close 

 by, and the bear was shot by the other harpooner. The 

 ship was lying on the opposite side of the island, seven or 

 eight miles away, and I, with my boat's crew, endeavoured 

 to cross it in order to get another boat, and bring material 

 to temporarily repair the broken one. 



This was the first time anyone had crossed the island, 

 and several bets were taken whether we should succeed or 

 not ; but we found it a most difficult task, as it was pre- 

 cipitous and the rocks much broken and rotten, making it 

 dangerous to climb, as there was no firm footing. When 

 half way to the top, we had to take off our boots to get 

 safer foot-hold. When we reached the summit, the boats 

 below looked like midges. A gun was fired to let them 

 know we were safe. The descent on the opposite side was 

 sloping, and easily accomplished. When we sighted the 

 ship, we again fired to attract their attention. A boat came 

 for us, and the men expected we had got a whale at the 

 outside, but of course they were much disappointed. 



I reported our accident to the master, who at once 

 despatched us with another boat and materials for bringing 

 back the broken one. It was late in the evening when we 

 returned to the ship, thoroughly tired. No water was seen 

 to the northward from the top of the mountain. This 

 caused us to be on the alert in case we might stay too 

 long, trusting to our paltry steam power. 



At daybreak, when all hands were called, the harbour 

 was full of ice. It was not packed very tightly, and a boat 



