THE SEA. 



home-baked gingerbread were not wanting. The men had made a knapsack and a revolver 

 case for the captain ; we opened the leaden box from Professor Hochstetter, and the 

 other from the Geological Reichsanstalt, which caused much merriment. Then we had a 

 glass of port wine, and fell upon the old newspapers in the boxes, and distributed the gifts, 

 which consisted of small musical instruments, such as whistles, jew's-harps, and trumpets, 

 also little puppets and games of roulette, cracker bonbons, &c. In the evening chocolate 

 and gingerbread nuts. ' In quiet devotion ' (says Dr. Laube in his day-book) ' the festival 



THE SUN AT MIDNIGHT IN THE ARCTIC REGIONS. 



passed by; the thoughts which passed through our minds (they were much alike with all), 

 I will not put down. If this should be the last Christmas we were to see it was at least 

 bright enough. If, however, we are destined for a happy return home the next will be a 

 brighter one. May God grant it ! ' " 



Early next morning they were awakened by a shout from the watch. They were appa- 

 rently drifting to land ! An island seemed to be straight ahead of them. Amid great alarm, 

 all turned out. The air was thick, but about three miles off they could distinguish a dark 

 mass, which looked like an island. It proved to be an enormous iceberg. Next day they 

 passed the drifting mass, which moved much slower than their field. 



On January 2nd a frightful storm arose, with driving snow. Alarming noises were 



