20 



CONQUERING THE ARCTIC. ICE 



We had to put into Esquimalt to get the deck into ship-shape 

 order, which was certainly needed. On the deck we had about 

 ten tons of coal, several cases of kerosene, while sledges and 

 kayaks were piled on the water-tanks amidships. A boat was 

 swung in tackle over the side, and another was lying on the 

 quarterdeck, piled full, and surrounded by boxes containing all 



" DUCHESS OF BEDFORD LEAVING ESQUIMALT. 



kinds of things. In the cabin we had to move very carefully, 

 as the floor, the tables and the sofas were covered with odds 

 and ends, for which we had not yet found a place. All hands 

 were soon very busy tidying up things, and we were forced to 

 hurry, as we did not want to lose much time in this occupation. 

 The day's sailing was the first with the ship in sea trim, and 

 we were all highly pleased with the way in which she behaved, 

 as we sailed along with a fine leading breeze, and swung up for 

 anchor at Esquimalt. 



For two days we lay with the chain hove short and sail set, 

 waiting for a wind strong enough to let us come out to sea, and 



