CHAPTER VIII. 
TRACKING-INSPECTING A HARBOR-THE MUSK OX—STILL TRACK¬ 
ING— CONSULTATION — WARPING AGAIN — AGROUND NEAR THE 
ICE-FOOT — A BREATHING SPELL-THE BOAT EXPEDITION — 
DEPARTURE. 
It was not until the 22d that the storm abated, and 
our absent men were once more gathered back into 
their mess. During the interval of forced inaction, 
the little brig was fast to the ice-belt which lined the 
bottom of the cliffs, and all hands rested; but as soon 
as it was over, we took advantage of the flood-tide to 
pass our tow-lines to the- ice-beach, and, harnessing 
ourselves in like mules on a canal, made a good three 
miles by tracking along the coast. 
“August 22, Monday.—Under this coast, at the base 
of a frowning precipice, we are now working toward a 
large bay which runs well in, facing at its opening to 
the north and west. I should save time if I could 
cross from headland to headland; but I am obliged to 
follow the tortuous land-belt, without whose aid we 
would go adrift in the pack again. 
“The trend of our line of operations to-day is almost 
