2S0 FARTHEST NORTH 



we can eke out our ammunition still further. We have, 

 moreover, half a pound of gunpowder and some spherical 

 shot for the rifles, also caps for reloading the cartridges. 

 This discovery has put me in good spirits, for, truth to 

 tell, I did not think our prospects were inordinately 

 bright. We shall now, perhaps, be able to manage for 

 three months, and within that time something must hap- 

 pen. In addition to what we can shoot, we can also 

 catch gulls with a hook, and if the worst should come to 

 the worst, and we set seriously to work, we can probably 

 take some animalcula and the like with the net. It may 

 happen that we shall not get to Spitzbergen in time to 

 find a vessel, and must winter there, but it will be a life 

 of luxury compared with this in the drift-ice, not knowing 

 where we are nor whither drifting, and not seeing our 

 goal, be it never so far away. I should not like to have 

 this time over again. We have paid dearly for letting 

 our watches run down that time. If there was no one 

 waiting at home, a winter in Spitzbergen would be quite 

 enticing. I lie here and dream of how comfortably and 

 well we could manacle there. Evervthin^; outside of this 

 ice seems rosy, and out of it we shall be some time or 

 other. We must comfort ourselves with the adage that 

 night is darkest before the dawn. Of course it somewhat 

 depends on hoiu dark the night is to be, and considerably 

 darker than it is now it might very well be. But our 

 hopes are fixed on the summer. Yes, it must be better 

 as summer gradually comes on." 



