[ 5' ] 
proper for building a hut, and had actually 
erected one at fome diilance from the 
fhore. 
This information induced the whole 
company to refolve on wintering there, 
if the hut, as they hoped, itill exifted ; 
for they clearly perceived the imminent 
danger they were in, and that they mufl 
inevitably perifh if they continued in the 
fliip. They difpatched therefore four of 
their crew, in fearch of the hut, or any 
other fuccour they could meet with. 
Thefe were Alexis Himkof, the mate; 
Iwan Himkof, his godfon ; Stephen 
ScHARAfOF, and Feodor Weregin. 
As the fhore on which they were to 
land was uninhabited, it was neceiTary 
that they fhould make fome provision 
for their expedition. They had almoit 
two miles to travel over loofe ridges of 
ice, which being railed by the waves, 
and driven againit. each other by the 
wind, rendered the way equally difficult 
H 2 and 
