64 CONQUERING THE ARCTIC ICE 



could hardly pass through the blocks, while our hands were 

 blistered by the continual hauling. And the wind since leaving 

 Point Hope had been constantly in our teeth. 



We were delighted to observe that the clouds were setting 

 from the S.E. quite rapidly, and we all hoped that some fair 

 wind might be coming. In case it should come and the 

 weather remain fairly clear, we might beat the steamers yet. 

 At any rate we are now ahead of them, and it certainly would 

 be a joke. to do it. Upon the whole we have high hopes for 

 to-morrow. 



Friday, August 10. How long will this last ? We woke up 

 in the morning only to find things as grey as yesterday, and in 

 spite of the clouds, which were still drifting from S.E., the N.E. 

 wind was blowing. We could see absolutely nothing ; the 

 fog was low but heavy. Now and again a lighter shade of the 

 fog ahead would indicate that some ice was coming. By-and- 

 by it became visible, looking immensely high and large, and we 

 were ready with long poles to push it away from the ship in 

 case it should come too near ; but when it came closer we saw 

 that it was the smallest of small pieces of ice. This was the 

 only thing to enliven to-day's monotony. For the rest of the 

 time we walked about on deck, and no one felt particularly 

 inclined to talk. 



Mr. LefHngwell and I have had several serious discussions 

 as to the outlook. The time is certainly running short, and 

 still we are far away from Point Barrow. We are feeling more 

 and more depressed, and no wonder. Suppose that we should 

 not reach Point Barrow ! It has happened before that ships 

 have not been able to go so far, and with the present state of 

 affairs it almost looks as if it might happen again this year. 



What will be the outcome if we do not reach Point Barrow ? 

 What can we do here which is worth our while, and what will 

 the people say who have placed their confidence in us ? Those 

 who thought that we could easily pass between the land and 

 the ground ice if only the ship was sufficiently small (I myself 

 had been among them) would certainly have to change their 

 opinion ! 



Oh, the pity of the thing ! For more than twelve years in 

 succession ships have been able to go east long before this, and 

 now, when so much depends on it, we have everything against 



