512 FARTHEST NORTH 



should moor our precious vessel. " Take one of the 

 braces," said Johansen ; he was standing on the ice. 

 " But is it strong enough ?" " Yes," he answered ; " I 

 have used it as a halyard on my sledge - sail all the 

 time." " Oh, well, it doesn't require much to hold these 

 light kayaks," said I, a little ashamed of having been 

 so timid, and I moored them with the halyard, which 

 was a strap cut from a raw walrus hide. We had been 

 on the ice a little while, moving up and down close 

 to the kayaks. The wind had dropped considerably, and 

 seemed to be more westerly, making it doubtful whether 

 we could make use of it any longer, and we went up on 

 to a hummock close by to ascertain this better. As we 

 stood there, Johansen suddenly cried, " I say! the kayaks 

 are adrift !" \\' e ran down as hard as we could. They 

 were already a little way out, and were drifting quickly 

 off; the painter had given w-ay. " Here, take my watch!" 

 I said to Johansen, giving it to him ; and as quickly as 

 possible I threw off some clothing, so as to be able to 

 swim more easily. I did not dare to take everything 

 off, as I might so easily get cramp. I sprang into the 

 water, but the wind was off the ice, and the light 

 kayaks, with their high rigging, gave it a good hold. 

 They were already well out, and were drifting rapidly. 

 The water was icy cold ; it was hard work swimming 

 with clothes on ; and the kayaks drifted farther and 

 farther, often quicker than I could swim. It seemed 

 more than doubtful whether I could manage it. But all 



