“There’s no time to consult, Gar’ner,” answered Daggett.  “There’s our road before us.  Go through it we must, or stay where we are until that field-ice gives us a jam down yonder in the crescent.  I will lead, and you can follow as soon as your eyes are open.”

One glance let Roswell into the secret of his situation.  He liked it little, but he did not hesitate.

“Fill the topsail, and haul aft the foresheet,” were the quiet orders that proclaimed what he intended to do.

Both vessels stood on.  By some secret process, every man on board the two craft became aware of what was going on, and appeared on deck.  All hands were not called, nor was there any particular noise to attract attention; but the word had been whispered below that there was a great risk to run.  A risk it was, of a verity!  It was necessary to stand close along that iron-bound coast where the seals had so lately resorted, for a distance of several miles.  The wind would not admit of the schooners steering much more than a cable’s length from the rocks for quite a league; after which the shore trended to the southward, and a little sea-room would be gained.  But on those rocks the waves were then beating heavily, and their bellowings as they rolled into the cavities were at almost all times terrific.  There was some relief, however, in the knowledge obtained of the shore, by having frequently passed up and down it in the boats.  It was known that the water was deep close to the visible rocks, and that there was no danger as long as a vessel could keep off them.

No one spoke.  Every eye was strained to discern objects ahead, or was looking astern to trace the expected collision between the floe-ice and the low promontory of the cape.  The ear soon gave notice that this meeting had already taken place; for the frightful sound that attended the cracking and rending of the field might have been heard fully a league.  Now it was that each schooner did her best!  Yards were braced up, sheets flattened, and the helm tended.  The close proximity of the rocks on the one side, and the secret presentiment of there being more field-ice on the other, kept every one wide awake.  The two masters, in particular, were all eyes and ears.  It was getting to be very cold; and the sort of shelter aloft that goes by the quaint name of “crow’s-nest,” had been fitted up in each vessel.  A mate was now sent into each, to ascertain what might be discovered to windward.  Almost at the same instant, these young seamen hailed their respective decks, and gave notice that a wide field was coming in upon them, and must eventually crush them, unless avoided.  This startling intelligence reached the two commanders in the very same moment.  The emergency demanded decision, and each man acted for himself.  Roswell ordered his helm put down, and his schooner tacked.  The water was not rough enough to prevent the success of the maneuvre.  On the other hand, Daggett kept a rap full, and stood