168 THE WORLD OF ICE.

treated, and when Meetuck emerged and laid hold of a
gun he had disappeared.

They found, on issuing into the open air, that a
stiff breeze was blowing, which, from the threatening
appearance of the sky, promised to become a gale;
but as there was no apprehension to be entertained
in regard to the stability of the floe, they returned
to the hut, taking care to carry in their arms along
with them. Having patched up the hole, closed the
doors, rekindled the lamp, and crept into their re-
spective bags, they went to sleep ; for, however much
they might dread the return of Bruin, sleep was a
necessity of nature that would not be denied.

Meanwhile the gale freshened into a hurricane,
and was accompanied with heavy snow, and when
they attempted to move next morning, they found
it impossible to face it for a single moment. There
was no alternative, therefore, but to await the ter-
mination of the gale, which lasted two days, and kept
them close prisoners all the time. It was very weari-
some, doubtless, but they had to submit, and sought
to console themselves and pass the time as pleasantly
as possible by sleeping, and eating, and drinking coffee.