Part 13 (2/2)

”It's like a cauldron,” he exclaimed on descending. ”No s.h.i.+p, except perhaps a very powerful steam whaler, could live in it.

”There is only one chance for us,” he continued. ”We must get under shelter of this island.”

As the south coast line opened, the helm was put down, and the vessel was hove to under a high cliff and jutting cape, which protected her from the rush of the ice-laden current.

Both anchors were at once let go.

Fortunately they found good holding ground.

All the rest of that day, and till dawn the next, did the gale rage; but as the short night pa.s.sed, the wind sank, and by midday it was but a breeze.

The current running between the islands soon swept the ice away.

But before trusting himself in these strange waters the captain determined to send a boat across to the greater island, on which rose a rugged hill of considerable height.

Both Mrs. Cromwell and Viola begged for a run on sh.o.r.e, so the larger boat was manned by Bok and three seamen, Bob and Jack each taking an oar, while the captain and the women occupied the stern-sheets.

Chapter V.--The Arctic Island.

Once on the island, it was seen that the hill rose on its southernmost point.

The ground was rocky, and covered with deep patches of snow in sheltered places.

”I don't like the look of that,” observed the captain. ”That is this year's snow. Once the frost sets in we are done.”

Finding it hard work to traverse the direct route, they made for the western sh.o.r.e.

Here, though they had to clamber over hillocks and steep rocks, they got along quicker.

Suddenly Bok, who was in front, uttered a shout.

On the others hastening up they saw the cause of his astonishment.

Beached in a little bay, with her topmasts gone and the hulk lying over on the port side, was a brig.

The water only washed her rudder-case, and the captain noticed, to his dismay, a thin coating of ice fringing the sh.o.r.e of the inlet.

Not a sign of life was to be seen.

”We must examine her before we do anything else,” exclaimed Bob.

Captain Sumner looked at his watch.

”We can spare an hour,” he said, ”but not more.”

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