CHAPTER VII

Summary

When I again went on deck, at seven, I found we had a very thick fog, and light airs from the eastward.

At half-past ten all hands were mustered, and divine service performed on deck, so mild was the weather, or, perhaps, so well had we now become accustomed to the temperature. Every man was in the enjoyment of excellent health and spirits; and, hitherto, all things had gone on well.

In the afternoon it was fine and calm. At four, I was sent in charge of the gutta percha boat to some icebergs, to get a fresh supply of water. It was the first time we had tried this boat; and we found her to pull as light as we could wish, promising to answer admirably. The whole of us scrambled on to the top of the lowest and most level berg, but which, however, was rugged and irregular enough to cause us to take care that we did not get tripped, and come down by the run.

After returning from one iceberg, we pulled away to a second at some further distance off. We found it to be in a state of decay; and, even while in its vicinity, heard several reports, which warned us not to keep stationary too near it, as it was evidently not far from bursting. Several fragments had already broken away from it, and innumerable small pieces were scattered about in every direction around.