200 JOURNEY TO THE SHORES 



able quarter tempted us to proceed, although 

 the fog was unabated. We kept as close 

 as we could to the main shore, but having 

 to cross some bays, it became a matter of 

 doubt whether we had not left the main, 

 and were running along an island. Just as 

 we were endeavouring to double a bold 

 cape, the fog partially cleared away, and 

 allowed us an imperfect view of a chain of 

 islands on the outside, and of much heavy 

 ice which was pressing down upon us. The 

 coast near us was so steep and rugged that 

 no landing of the cargoes could be effected, 

 and we were preserved only by some men 

 jumping on the rocks, and thrusting the ice 

 off with poles. There was no alternative 

 but to continue along this dreary shore, 

 seeking a channel between the different 

 masses of ice which had accumulated at the 

 various points. In this operation both the 

 canoes were in imminent danger of being 

 crushed by the ice, which was now tossed 

 about by the waves that the gale had ex- 

 cited. We effected a passage, however, 

 and keeping close to the shore, landed at 



