440 NEW LAND. 



some of the stones, so that the cross had fallen a little to one side. 

 I pujb it as straight as I could. 



When we left Havnefjord, two years previously, we left the 

 remains of some walruses behind us ; they were lying there still, 

 almost unaltered ; some parts, which had always been under water, 

 looked exactly the same as when we last saw them. 



On Saturday, August 9, the wind went down somewhat. We 

 began to take in water, and among other things, filled a number 

 of barrels with water for the dogs. I had shot a hare when I 

 was ashore, and I now sent Schei up to kill a few more, while 

 Simmons went with him to collect some living plants. At two 

 o'clock we heaved off, and when .we went out into Jones Sound 

 and headed for Cone Island it was cloudy and almost a dead 

 calm. We made good speed, between five and six knots, and 

 later in the evening got down to Lady Ann Strait, where a few 

 scattered ice-streams were unable to stay our course. At four 

 o'clock on Sunday morning we were abreast the southern point 

 of Cobourg Island, and headed for the Devil's Thumb. At first 

 we had fine weather, but afterwards a strong head wind sprang 

 up, with heavy sea, and such thick fog that we could not see 

 a ship's-length from us. 



We saw no drift-ice whatever on Melville Bay, but passed a 

 great number of icebergs, so that our voyage was by no means 

 free from danger. More than once we almost thrust our noses 

 into these unpleasant neighbours. 



Sunday, August 10, was a beautiful day, with a fine breeze 

 and calm sea ; without sea-sickness and with good spirits. It was 

 our first Sunday at sea for two years and we resolved to celebrate 

 the occasion with a feast. Our tobacco by this time had nearly 

 all ended in smoke, but with luck we should reach Godhavn in a 

 few days' time. I had our remaining cigars counted, and found 

 that there were twenty to each man. The mate tied them up in 

 bundles, packed them in tinfoil, and put a bundle at each cover. 

 I need hardly say they were received with enthusiasm. 



On August 16 we saw land in the shape of the peninsula 

 Svartenhuk peeping out of the fog. We now had clear weather 

 for a couple of watches, but after that the fog came on again as 



