318 



HISTORY OF THE SEA. 



cended to the roof of the house by means of the embankments 

 of snow, and, attacking the chimney with great violence, was 

 very near demolishing it. On the 1st of May, they eat their 

 last morsel of meat, relying henceforth on what they might 

 entrap or kill. 



It was now decided that even if the ship should be disengaged 

 she would be unfit to continue the voyage. Their only hope 

 lay in the shallop and the long-boat, which they endeavored, 

 to prepare for the sea, in the midst of interruptions from bears, 

 who "were very obstinate to know how Dutchmen tasted." 



