114 
GREENLAND VOYAGE. 
strength and heart, but for the prompt and well- 
timed assistance of his shipmates, who, observing 
that the affair had assumed a dangerous aspect, 
sallied out to his rescue. The little phalanx 
opened him a passage, and then closed to receive 
the bold assailant. Though now beyond the 
reach of his adversary, the dismayed fugitive con¬ 
tinued onward, impelled by his fears, and never 
relaxed his exertions until he fairly reached the 
shelter of the ship ! Bruin once more prudently 
came to a stand, and for a moment seemed to 
survey his enemies with all the consideration of 
an experienced general; when, finding them too 
numerous for a reasonable hope of success, he very 
wisely wheeled about, and succeeded in making a 
safe and honourable retreat. 
A thick fog prevailed the greater part of the 
15th of June, and so bewildered us, that we w ith 
difficidty found room for working the ship. As 
we were anxious to escape from our confinement, 
we occasionally explored the boundaries and re¬ 
cesses of the ice to which we had access; and in 
the evening, when thus employed, fortunately 
discovered an outlet leading to windward, through 
which we succeeded in beating a passage, though 
the width was not above a hundred yards. This 
led us to the west side of the field that had de¬ 
tained us on the 10th, and some preceding days. 
