one was hurt. Then
came a cry of terror from many a usually stout heart. The summit of the
ice-mountain bent over more and more. What chance had they of escaping
from beneath it? Down, down it came with a terrific splash into the
hitherto calm sea, throwing up the foaming waters, which dashed over
them in dense showers, while the wave raised by the fall of the berg, as
it rolled after the boat, seemed as if it were about to break on board
and swamp her. The crew needed no urging to put forth all their
strength. The boat's stern rose high as it passed under her, and then
on she glided, away from the danger. They were saved! Narrow, indeed,
was their escape.

"But where is the cutter?" exclaimed Willy, looking around. She was not
to be seen.

The weather, which had hitherto been so calm, had been changing rapidly
while they were engaged in killing the seals. A thick mist had rapidly
swept over the ocean, and shut out even the huge mass of the overturned
iceberg, which still floated upon the water. They shouted loudly,
hoping that those in the cutter, if she was still above water, might
hear them; but no answer came.

"God's ways are mysterious," observed Mr Morley. "He has thought fit
to preserve us while our poor companions have perhaps been allowed to
perish. To Him our thanks are due."

The doctor and Captain Twopenny fired their rifles several times, but
still there was no reply, and Harry reluctantly continued his course. A
light breeze had sprung up, the sails filled, and the "Ranger's" launch
glided rapidly over the water. The doctor at once lighted the stove,
and having melted the ice, filled all the water-casks. How eagerly did
those who had for so many days tasted barely sufficient water to moisten
their throats drink down large draughts of the pure liquid. A plentiful
repast of seal cutlets and steaks was served out, and a small quantity
of spirits to those who wished for them. All, however, felt very sad at
the loss of their companions. "Poor Peter Patch!" sighed Willy; "I
little thought, when he was joking with me this morning, that I should
never see him again."

For several days the boat ran on, the breeze having freshened
considerably. The charts showed some rocks in their course. Harry kept
a bright look-out for them. He was anxious to make them, if possible,
at the same time that he dreaded running on them during the dark hours
of night. Once more the wind fell, and by this t