140 



AKCTIC RESEARCH EXPEDITION. 



remaining chain, and so be driven out into the bay, where there 

 would be no possible chance of saving their lives. 



Meanwhile, we ourselves were momentarily expecting destruc- 

 tion. It did not seem possible that our anchors could hold. 

 Wind, and storm, and a raging sea appeared to be combined 

 against us. Thirty souls, besides near a score of natives, were on 

 board, and all preparing for the moment when it was probable 

 the George Henry would be adrift on the rocks. But, thanks to 

 Providence and our good anchors, we did not stir, though at no 

 time very far from the rocks. Every now and then I was on deck, 

 not to hear the howling winds, for the whole cabin below resound- 

 ed with their roar, but to gaze upon the terrible scene. And 

 what a scene ! It was truly awful. Never before had I seen its 

 like — never had I pictured to my imagination the reality of such 

 a night. As I tried to steady myself by holding fast to some 

 fixed rope, my eyes were spell-bound by the fearful sight before 

 me. There behind was the brig, pounding away upon the rocks ; 

 and here, closer to us, was our consort, the schooner, plunging 

 and chafing at her anchors as if mad at the restraint put upon 

 her, and insanely desirous of letting go her hold to rush upon the 

 shore. Ever and anon would she throw her bows low down, tak- 

 ing up the briny sea, and then, swiftly surging to and fro, spring 

 fearfully on her chains. On the rocky, desolate island astern, 

 the moving figures of those belonging to the brig could be dis- 

 cerned, evidently doing their best to keep warm in that bitter 

 night. Through the rigging of our ship came the howling wind 

 and the driving snow, while the fierce waves played and leaped 

 about in the wildest fury. Yes, it was indeed a fearful sight, es- 

 pecially as it was increased in horror by the dread uncertainty of 

 our own and our consort's continued safety. 



At length these our fears were in part fulfilled. Toward morn- 

 ing the hurricane became stronger. Every blast seemed as if 

 about to tear us from our hold, then lift us into the air and hurl 

 us upon the rocks for destruction. Presently our eyes caught 

 sight of the Rescue in a moment dashing before the storm toward 

 the dreaded shore. She had parted chain, and, with one bound, 

 went hopelessly broadside on, amid the breakers at her lee. 

 Thump! thump! crash! crash! away the tottering masts! the 

 ropes, the bulwarks, the all of what was once the noble-looking, 

 beautiful, and renowned schooner Rescue ! In and among the 

 rocks, with their jagged tops tearing her to pieces, and the boil- 



