206 
A VOYAGE TO SPITZBEBGEN. 
out of our reach. We were in hopes that the wound 
was less fatal, and that he would rise again to the 
surface. Armed with a hand harpoon, we are over 
the spot where he went down, almost in time to strike 
him, but he has sunk to rise no more. The schooner, 
still beset, is drifting to the westward; but as evening 
approaches, we begin to have hopes of escaping into 
the open water. Then, as if to mock us, every tack 
we make with that object seems but to increase the 
cold resolve of our jailor to keep us within his firm 
grip. The harpooners are so accustomed to this kind 
of treatment, they are almost indifferent to it all. 
They say the ice forcing its way is carried by a strong 
current to the southwards, as they with perfect cool¬ 
ness fend off each seeming danger as it presents itself 
and tack and tack again towards the clear spaces. 
Now and then we receive a thump on our ship’s stout 
timbers ; but she seems intent only on obeying the 
steersman’s will, and, as if aware that in the position 
of danger we now are, everything depends upon her 
disregard to the blows, bravely bears her punishing, 
and she in turn delivers her blows full tilt against the 
enemy as he rushes against her with impetuous force. 
We watch her cool defiance in silent admiration. She 
seems to us to say—let it come ! we are prepared. 
One hard knock, well delivered against a field of ice. 
