CHAPTER VI

Summary

Thursday 11th.—During the past night we had the same strong and favourable breeze from the southwest; and on the next morning it continued steady in that quarter, accompanied with thick hazy weather and rain. Several large icebergs were passed, and at eight a. m. we suddenly came upon a “stream” of ice, extending from S. E. to N. W. We had come so quickly and unexpectedly upon this “stream” (not having seen it, owing to the thick weather, until close aboard of it), that promptitude of decision and movement was absolutely necessary. It was one of those moments when the seaman comes forward, and by boldly acting, either in the one way or the other, shows what he is made of. In the present case the question instantly arose as to whether the vessel should at once run through the ice now before her, or wait until clearer and milder weather came. It will be unnecessary to explain at length how the former or the latter might have proved best or worst: but suffice it that with the wind blowing dead upon the “stream,” and a sea rising, to keep it under our lee, that is with ourselves between the wind and it, it would have been highly imprudent when there was a fair possibility of getting through it safely. The mate, as ice-master, was asked by the captain which, in his opinion, was best.