72 THE WORLD OF ICE.

of finding anchoring-ground. At first the ice pre-
sented an impenetrable barrier, but at length a lead
of open water was found, through which they passed
to within a few hundred yards of the shore, which at
this spot showed a front of high precipitous cliffs.

“Stand by to let go the anchor!” shouted the
captain.

“ Ay, ay, sir.”

“Down your helm! Let go

Down went the anchor to the music of the rattling

{?

chain-cable—a sound which had not been heard since
the good ship left the shores of Old England.

“Tf we were only a few yards farther in, sir,”
remarked the first-mate, “we should be better. Tim
afraid of the stream of ice coming round yonder point.”

“So am I,” replied the captain; “but we can
scarcely manage it, I fear, on account of the shore
ice. Get out a boat, Mr. Saunders, and try to fix an
anchor. We may warp in a few yards.”

The anchor was fixed, and the men strained at the
capstan with a will, but, notwithstanding their utmost
efforts, they could not penetrate the shore ice. Mean-
while the wind increased, and snow began to fall in
large flakes. The tide, too, as it receded, brought a
stream of ice round the point ahead of them, which
bore right down on their bows. At first the concus-
sions were slight, and the bow of the ship turned the
floes aside; but heavier masses soon came down, and
at last one fixed itself cn the cable, and caused the
anchor to drag with a harsh, grating sound.