THE ESCAPE 
471 
bergs, overhanging and ragged ; and down toward the 
water-line, an opening between them like a gateway. 
Shall we pass ? We have seen so many disruptions, 
and capsizings, and accidents of all sorts in this work 
of anchor-planting : sometimes a mere breath brings 
down masses that would bury half a dozen such ves- 
sels as ours ; and these bergs are so water- washed and 
pendulous. Murdaugh waited for the order. De Ha- 
ven gave it ; and, in deep silence, we passed the Grades 
of the Devil's Trap. 
'^August 19, Tuesday. The Rescue is close astern 
of us : she got through about noon yesterday. Our 
commodore has resolved on an immediate return to 
the United States." 
The game had been played out fairly. Lancaster 
Sound was out of the question; and for our scurvy- 
riddled crew, a nine months' winter in the ice of 
North Baffin would have been disastrous. 
