214 
A VOYAGE TO SPITZBEBGEN . 
westward. We are once more on our way to the 
clear water between the land and the ice we have* 
been hemmed in with. We see a Norwegian fisher¬ 
man in the distance, and make for his ship to see- 
what sport they were having. What words can 
describe our mortification on suddenly discovering 
that our little ship has sprung a leak and is settling 
in the water? We endeavour to preserve a decent 
composure ; yet it is easy to see that the effort is 
enforced, and all faces wear a look of ill-concealed 
anxiety. We look uneasily about to see if assistance is 
near at hand, and fortunately for us there are two other 
Norwegian whalers within reach, who will be glad to' 
earn money for their services. So we bear down upon 
the Norsel Jack of Tromsoe. The skipper, after ten¬ 
dering his advice, is earnest in his inquiries. All his 
thoughts run on the seals we have killed, and he laughs 
at the account we have to give, although our cargo 
would sink his craft. He has killed 135 seals, and is 
making his way to Moffen Island in search of walrus. 
From him we learn many valuable particulars as to 
the anchorage we are now compelled to seek. It is calm,, 
he tells us, under Grey Hook; but beyond, in Widdie 
Bay, there are big waves rolling under a strong wind 
whose direction is exactly the reverse of our own, 
which is barely perceptible. 
