The Frozen Crew Of The Ice-Bound Ship; Or, Terrors Of The Arctic Region — page 80: what you’re looking at

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

70 Emona, and Brandy-nosed Nick; the smaller served to carry Fergus Blake. Thus did the adventurers breast once more the open ocean, and brave the terrors of its floating ice. It was dreary, piercing cold, and so dark that an object could not be seen, beyond a boat’s length. ~ But Fergus Blake, who knew the water well, was at once both a consoler and a pilot. He continued his course carefully, watching and avoiding the floes and frozen masses, which every minute passed by or dashed against each other with fearful violence. The snow fell thickly. The wind howled furiously. But stoutly speed the voyagers in the wintery tempest. The wished for haven is nearly reached. ‘What was that ?” Hark $7 eA gun. ‘¢ Another, and another, nearer and nearer.”’ The given signal tells too fatally, that other vessels are close at hand. There is a pause of appalling suspense. The sound of oars is next plainly distinguishable. The ears of the mariners are directed to catch, if possible, the voices. “Yes,” thought Fergus Blake, ‘you come with the intentions of taking Paul Jones, but you will through me be disappointed.”’ As the boats approached, he heard the well known voice of De’il Rob. ‘The signal told the fugitives they were discovered. In all probability they would meet with resistance, and, therefore, had prepared for such a result. Silence being now no longer of any advantage, the ringleader cried out— ‘‘ Torches, my lads, lets have light.” : By the lurid glare of the ignited brands, all eyes were strained to catch a glimpse of the pirates. But they could only discern a black, shapeless mass, floating on the water at a little distance. To their bewildered fancy, it seemed absolutely standing still. They were soon made aware of their error, and that the chase was moving quickly. From the increased rapidity with which the oars were urged, it was evident that the buccaneers had discovered the right track. Paul Jones and his companions watched the manceuvres of the other boats, and forced every sinew to keep ahead of them. What terror is inspired in their breast, as the keel of the barques cleave like lightning the frozen deep. The darkling current hurries by. The rocks and ice banks, of all forms and sizes, hover around, or make their way in ghost-like silence. Their solemn shadows seem to reflect ‘more hidden dangers. The deep gloom, the glimmering lights and echoing threats of the pirates, picture a scene sombre, awful, and yet sublime. The canoe of Fergus Blake led the way. Paul Joves and the others followed in the wake. The boats of the pursuers and pursued flew be- fore the wind. They had now no guide but the breaking water on each side of them. “Ned Hawser,” cried De’il Kob, “you know this track better than us, you must be made pilot.’’ “Ay, ay, to be sure, take the helm,” exclaimed the crew, severally. “ You all know me, lads—I shall not desert you !” Hawser replied, “and since Deil Rob supposes I | us.” ——— _ THE FROZEN CREW AND ICE-BOUND SHIP. can steer you better than he, I suppose I must con- sent to his proposal.” The pilot took his seat as the boat neared the frozen mass, “ Starboard a little !—starboard yet! Steady, so! There’s the creek,” cried Ned Hawser, pointing to some clear water between the ridges. “ Port a little, and we shall be upon the runaways ina jifley; I see they have taken a dangerous channel!” The assertion was correct. Fergus Blake had resolved to force their way among the ice. They were now running a passage through it. The slight vessels struck heavily again and again. On the last stroke the boat of Paul Jones came broadside to the wind, and keeled over. A jagged point of ice found its way through her timbers. The next moment the planking gave way, and the water poured in with resistless rapidity. . There was a dead silence, and the spectators stood aghast. “It is my fault,’ said Fergus Blake, after a pause. Despair and agony were depicted terribly in his countenance. “It is of little consequence whose fault it was,” said Paul Jones, gloomily. “Fate has decreed that we shall perish. “But we have too much upon our hands even to think of death,’ hecontinued ; ‘‘ the enemy is upon us, and we will fall amply avenged !” As soon as these words were spoken, the deter- mined men provided themselves with arms. They surrounded, as if to protect Emona, and gave every evidence that each meant to struggle to the last. The pirates had now advanced in strong force. It was discovered that they were concentrating at one point. , Paul Jones and his companions retired farther on the floating iceberg, whose undulations formed a barricade. He gave orders that as soon as they had fired they should retreat, and re-load under the protec- tion offered them. By such tactics he hoped yet to drive off the enemy. The word was given for a volley. It was answered by another, and a shout by the pirates, who pressed on till they received a second discharge. They now made other arrangements, and spread themselves in a semi-circle in front of the opposing party. A continued and galling fire was now commenced, and kept up for several minutes. This was returned with equal vigour by the be- sieged, who, calling into action all their arms, led the enemy to suppose that they were more formid- able than they had anticipated. It was darker than ever, the torchesbeing put out, and not a figure was to be distinguished, except by the momentary flashing of the fire-arms. Their forked tongues licked the air, they vanished into vapour. Suddenly there was a crash, and a stifled cry. “‘ What was that,’’ asked Fergus Blake, with a grave face. - Paul Jones, returned no answer, but remained listening with an earnest ear for comparative silence reigned after the occurrence. ‘They are trying something,” said Fergus Blake, after a lengthened pause. “'They will try along while before they subued EOmiGbooks