gth it died away; but the Miss Morleys
continued to watch for some time longer, expecting it to reappear; they
were at last persuaded to return to their cabin, for though the
atmosphere was warm enough when the sun was shining, it was very cold at
night.

Harry altered his course so as to pass to the northward of the iceberg,
hailing the boatswain to follow him. The boats made but slight
progress; and when daylight broke, they were close abreast of the huge
berg. The doctor was on his feet in a moment, with unusual animation on
his countenance. "We must get some of that berg," he said. "Heaven has
sent it to our aid. Hurra, boys! We shall now have as much water as we
can pour down our throats."

How welcome were those words to the seamen, as they awoke from their
sleep with parched mouths and cracked lips; for notwithstanding the
exertion they had gone through, they had taken even less water than the
women and children. Those who had been tugging at the oars during the
last hours of the night had been relieved, and the boats were eagerly
pulled towards the berg. As they approached, several dark objects were
seen on a low ledge projecting from one side of it. "They are seals,"
cried the doctor. "We must have them! They will serve us for food and
fuel to melt the ice. Our casks must be filled with water, and we must
take on board as many lumps of ice as the boats can carry. But steady,
boys! If we make the slightest noise, we shall frighten the seals and
lose them."

"I think I could shoot one of the fellows," observed Captain Twopenny.

"And I another," said Harry. "I suppose Bollard sees the seals." He
hailed the boatswain, and together the two boats eagerly approached the
ice. Just then some more seals were seen at a little distance, and in
order to double the chance of killing some, Harry directed the cutter to
steer for the last which had appeared. Paul Lizard got his harpoon
ready, in the hope of striking one should they take to the water. Those
in the boats almost held their breath as they glided onwards, for fear
of frightening the wary creatures. They appeared, however, never to
have been alarmed by man, for every now and then one lifted up its head,
and gazed at the advancing boats, as if they were some huge sea animals,
without showing any signs of alarm.

"You take the big fellow on the right hand," whispered Captain Twopenny
to Harry. "I'll take another I have marked farther to the l