IN IMMINENT DANGER. 



629 



A. M. Worked the oars two hours ; then a breeze sprung up, 

 and increased until it blew almost a gale. We had several 

 narrow escapes with our boat before we could find a piece of ice 

 safe enough to land on ; and when we did so the boat was 

 making water fast. When emptied we found a hole in her side. 

 April 2bth. Wind increased to a gale last night. Raining all 

 night and day, with snow squalls. Launched the boat at 5 A.M. 

 The case was desperate; running with a light, patched boat, 

 damaged as she is, and patched all over. But the piece of ice 

 we were on had wasted away so much that it would never out- 

 ride the gale. Our danger was very great; a gale of wind 

 blowing; a crippled boat overloaded, and a fearful sea running, 

 filled with small ice as sharp as knives. But, thank God! we 

 got safely through it. We are all soaking wet in everything 

 we have, and no chance of drying anything. We have had 

 neither sun nor moon nor star for a week. 29th. Morning calm, 

 water quiet. At daylight sighted the steamer five miles off; 

 launched the boat and made for her. After an hour's pull 

 gained on her a good deal ; another hour and we got fast in the 

 ice, and could go no further. Landed on a piece of ice, and 

 hoisted our colors on an elevated place. Fired three rounds 

 from our rifles and pistols, making a considerable report, and 

 were answered by three shots, the steamer heading for us. She 

 headed for us N., then S. E., and kept on so all day. We tried 

 very hard to work through the ice, but could not. Very strange. 

 I should think any sailing vessel, much more a steamer, could 

 get through with ease. She was not more than five miles from 

 us. Late in the evening she steamed away, bearing S. W. We 

 gave her up. In the evening she hove in sight again, but 

 further off. While looking at her another steamer hove in 

 sight, so that we have two sealers near — one on each side of 

 us; but I do not expect to be picked up by either of them. 

 Hans caught a seal — very small and young, a perfect baby of a 

 seal. Dried most of our things to-day. 



