122 THE WORLD OF ICE.

“ My lads, I consider it my duty to say a few plain
words to you in reference to our present situation and
prospects. I feel that the responsibility of having
brought you here rests very much upon myself, and I
deem it my solemn duty, in more than the ordinary
sense, to do all I can to get you out of the ice again.
You know as well as I do that this is impossible at
the present time, and that we are compelled to spend
a winter here. Some of you know what that means,
but the most of you know it only by hearsay, and
that’s much the same as knowing nothing about it at
all. Before the winter is done your energies and en-
durance will probably be taxed to the uttermost. |
think it right to be candid with you. The life before
you will not be child’s play, but I assure you that it
may be mingled with much that will be pleasant and
hearty if you choose to set about it in the right way.
Well, then, to be short about it. There is no chance
whatever of our getting through the winter in this
ship comfortably, or even safely, unless the strictest
discipline ig maintained aboard. I know, for I’ve
been in similar circumstances before, that when cold
and hunger, and, it may be, sickness press upon us—
should it please the Almighty to send these on us in
ereat severity-—you will feel duty to be irksome, and
youll think if useless, and perhaps be tempted to
mutiny. Now, I ask you solemnly, while your minds
are clear from all prejudices, each individually to sien
a written code of laws, and a written promise that
you will obey the same, and help me to enforce them