The Frozen Crew Of The Ice-Bound Ship; Or, Terrors Of The Arctic Region — page 39: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE FROZEN anchor that holds me taut I can’t tell, but I seem as if I couldn’t sleep till we are out of this quan- dary.” ‘“‘T raust do so, too,” said Paul Jones ; “I must endeavour to throw off the lethargy which has hitherto assailed me, and endure with you a mutual privation,”’ ‘‘ How do we stand for provisions ?” “‘ We have sufficient food in our wallets, to place us beyond want for several days.” ** And then—’’ “ We have arms and powder; wild birds abound in the region, and these resources being ever at hand, we have nothing to fear on the score of hunger. “I know, besides, to add to our consolation,” con- tinued Paul Jones, “that Danish vessels frequent these shores, and that we may be discovered and delivered by them shortly.” Under any other circumstances, these mariners might have dwelt with rapture on the strange land through which they were speeding on the frozen raft. The hands of winter had smote on every side the massy fragments of ice, and shaped them into every conceivable form of beauty. Some resembled cathedrals, many spired—some splintered pyramids and broken towers, Others, palaced cities riven by lightnings, and lying in sharp angled choatic heaps, which, spread- ing in the vast desolation, were lost only in the far distant haze or iceberg. In this sublime and lonely scene, undisturbed only by the clang of the sea-fowl, the thoughts of Paul Jones, were naturally awakened towards Gon- zalvi, and his probable fate, — “We are driving on the stream of fate, without oar or rudder,” he at length remarked ; “‘1 trust _ our companions are more fortunate than ourselves.” ‘“ Well, as for Gonzalvi, poor fellow, I dare say he is by this time launched out of danger, and——” “What do you mean,” interrupted Paul Jones, observing that Nick answered him with a mysteri- ous look, and but for weighty reasons would have added a nod and a wink, “speak out short and 0 ene ae I always do,’ returned the other, ‘‘ and should have done so now if you had not hauled down my red rag and put a stopper on my jawing tacks. “In a word,” continued Nick, *‘‘ I don’t like him sheering off as he did, ’cos for why, he might have been with us now if he’d only have held on for dear life while I made the fastening taut.” ‘Of whom do you speak ?” ‘“ That lwbber that’s got the boy to be sure, who else. You don’t suppose I’d say anything against Gonzalvi?—no, damme, not to be made Lord High Admiral of the fleet.” “Tf Iam to put faith in your lingo, you must know something of this man.” “The devil a bit—how should I? and if I had axed any question, depend upon it his answer would have been, ‘the cormorant says not to the mallard, where is my brood,’ ’’ “ Lay aside this useless affectation of mystery; with the vulgar it has its effect, but upon.me it is thrown away—tell me what you think or sus- ect.” at Well, then, I think that our late helmsman has steered us into an unknown sea, without chart or compass, on purpose to. bear off Gonzalvi to the devil, and that he’s no other than that individual or \the Flying Dutchman in disguise ?”’ Nick who had kept up the courage and spirits of Paul Jones, and proved himself a valuable adviser uid comfort in misfortune, in a short time suc- CREW AND iCE-BOUND SHIP. a ee MT ee Se ee Se Le a. as eae 31 cumbed to a drowsiness which had attacked his companion. Feeling they were unable to throw it off, while yet retaining retreating consciousness, they huddled themselves together under the furs with which they were provided. This precaution probably saved life, as the animal heat of their bodies was still kept up. In a state of bewilderment and delirium, they be- held their speed increase through the desolate region, till a death-like torpor shut it from their aching eyes. When the mariners again came to their senses they were apparently on frozen land. How long they had remained on their dangerous journey they were unable to calculate. One thing gladdened their hearts: on arriving on the beach they discovered fragments of seamens’ clothing, and other indications of their trafficking with the natives. ‘Thank heaven ! we have at last touched upon a spot that appears to be inhabited,” said Paul Jones. ‘‘Tt is evident the crew of some vessel are within hail and that our-deliverance is near.” ““T hope so, captain ; but the natives in these parts are very treacherous,” suggested Nick, “and I hope we shan’t serve ’em for a meal, as our mess- mates, whose garments we have found lying on the shore, may have done before us.” “What, Nick! you’re not going to drift into a rough sea when we havea harbour of refuge surely! You have borne up through our worst danger, don’t repine when they are perhaps ended,” ‘* No, only I want you to take soundings before you enter the harbour you have spoken of.” ‘“‘ Clap on all sail then, man, if you fear adeath song and a scalping match; reconnoitre while I light a fire to warm our benumbed limbs.” “ 'There’s not an ounce of wood or a blade of grass that I can see to make one,” Fuel being the most essential want of the out- casts, they at once proceeded into the land which seemed by its aspect little likely to afford it. In the miserable country in which they had been thrown, expiring nature had made her final effort and every trace of vegetation had disappeared, But they were not doomed to disappointment in their quest, for in a few minutes they came upon a pile of ship timber and afterwards the wreck of a vessel. She turned out to be one upon whose deck they had trod. She was victualled and laden with specie, but the absence of her crew left their fate only to be con- jectured. We will not dwell upon the delight of Paul Jones and his companion, at the discovery, which could only be regarded by them in their present position as 2 miraculous and providential succour, Nor need we recount how three periods were past in weary toil and building a shelter. The same monotony of sunless twilight, divided only by the hours of labour distinguishing the day. Where, under the wing of blessed sleep, they for- got their sorrow and awoke to a frozen clime that seems to utter a knell of death. CHAPTER XI, LOST AMONG THE ICEBERGS.—THE DEPARTURE OF THE EXPLORING PARTY, “ What gaping is this,” ejaculated Rotaldo, “are you a set of white livered cowards that you quail | | —Michhowlks..ce)