THE WORLD OF ICE. 305

Ellice, we ought to feel the deepest gratitude to the
Almighty. We have need, however, to pray for a
blessing on the labours that are yet before us, for
you are well aware that we shall probably have many
a struggle with the ice before we are once more
afloat on blue water. And now, lads, away with
you on deck, and man the capstan, for the tide is
about full.”

The capstan was manned, and the hawsers were
hove taut. Inch by inch the tide rose, and the Dol-
plin floated. Then a lusty cheer was given, and
Amos Parr struck up one of those hearty songs inter-
!” that seem

v9?

mingled with “Ho!” and “Yo heave ho
to be the life and marrow of all nautical exertion.
At last the good ship forged ahead, and, boring
through the loose ice, passed slowly out of the Bay
of Mercy.

“Do you know I feel quite sad at quitting this
dreary spot?” said Fred to his father, as they stood
gazing backward over the taffrail, “I could not
have believed that I should have become so much
attached to it.”

“We become attached to any spot, Fred, in which
incidents have occurred to call forth frequently our
deeper feelings. These rocks and stones are inti-
mately associated with many events that have caused
you joy and sorrow, hope and fear, pain and happi-
ness. Men cherish the memory of such feelings,
and love the spots of earth with which they are

associated.”
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