48 NEW LAND. 



The north wind blew without ceasing; it was perfectly in- 

 comprehensible where it all came from. Every time it lulled 

 for a moment we fondly hoped it had blown itself out, and that 

 we should have no more of it, but almost at once a steady breeze 

 from the same quarter would get up again, and though it was 

 not strong it was quite enough to keep the ice packed. After a 

 time the drift ceased altogether, and we remained lying motionless 

 in the same spot. 



THE DREDGERS COME ON BOARD. 



We had now had frosts for some time, and when this fresh 

 north wind began to blow the thermometer remained at about 

 eighteen to twenty-one degrees above zero, though sometimes, if I 

 remember rightly, it read as low as nine of ten above zero. This 

 was a disappointment greater than great. Every day now the 

 momentous question was discussed : Shall we drift out this autumn, 

 or shall we remain lying here, beset, the whole of the winter ? 



Belcher Channel would not provide particularly comfortable 

 winter quarters. Everything was wanting in it which could make 



