54 ICE-BOUND ON KOLGUEV 
upon it; we had our little craft all safe so far; and on 
board of her our nets, dredging and collecting gear, our 
instruments, and all that we could require for a proper 
diagnosis of this new land. We had everything but the 
one without which all the rest would go for nothing. 
In a word, we had no harbour. 
Those who can follow this out to the extreme of its 
bearing will understand me when I say that the situa- 
tion, dull as it must read, was interesting enough for us. 
The tide ran stronger. We waited long about the 
river-mouth before we could find it wise to venture out, 
and when at last we pulled out with might and main we 
had much wary nursing of our little boat before we could 
take a wave safe enough to carry us over this critical 
place. We shipped much water, but we got through. 
The boat had to go again for water, and coming out 
was all but swamped. Indeed, seen from on deck, she 
seemed once to have really gone, so greatly was she 
buried in a wave which broke upon her. The greatest 
credit was due to those fine fellows who brought her 
through. 
At noon ice came down to us from the north. It 
threatened to close us in. There was no help for it; 
we must steam again. 
Off we steamed, and away down the land. It 
was beautifully clear, with a growing breeze from the 
north. By 4 p.m. this had strengthened to a stiff wind. 
We then set sail—our big square sail for the first time— 
