68 THE WORLD OF ICE,

as ye see, so we must go between them, neck or
nothing.”

The danger was indeed imminent. The two bergs
were within a hundred yards of each other, and the
smaller of the two, being more easily moved by the
current probably, was setting down on the larger at a
rate that bade fair to decide the fate of the Dolphin
in a few minutes. The men rowed lustily, but their
utmost exertions could move the ship but slowly.
Aid was coming, however, direct from the hand of
Him who is a refuge in the time of danger. A
breeze was creeping over the calm sea right astern,
and it was to meet this that the studding-sails had
been set a-low and aloft, so that the wide-spreading
canvas, projecting far to the right and left, had, to
an inexperienced eye, the appearance of being out of
all proportion to the little hull by which it was
supported.

With breathless anxiety those on board stood watch-
ing the two bergs and the approaching breeze.

At last it came. A few cat’s-paws ruffled the
surface of the sea, distending the sails for a moment,
then leaving them flat and loose as before. This, how-
ever, was sufficient ; another such puff, and the ship
was almost out of danger; but before it came the pro-
jecting summit of the smaller berg was overhanging
the deck. At this critical moment the wind began to
blow steadily, and soon the Dolphin was in the open
water beyond. Five minutes after she had passed,
the moving mountains struck with a noise louder