there were terrible storms, during which the
fine snow-dust penetrated everything, and every drop of moisture
condensed on wall or ceiling froze hard. The doctor managed to keep the
men free of frost-bite, but he could not master the depression, and
consequently their general health began to fail. It was of no use to
tell the crew that the end of the darkness was coming, for when January
was out it appeared to be black as ever, and they had February to pass
through. Steve's efforts fell flat now, and the men became worse, while
even the captain grew heartsick as he looked forward to the months of
terrible inaction.

"Nothing but a miracle can save us," he said at last. "I am but human.
I have done everything I can. Heaven helps those who help themselves,
Steve lad; and Heaven knows we have helped ourselves."

"Then Heaven will help us!" cried Steve fervently; "for, after going
through what we have, I will not believe that we shall all have to lie
down and die."

How cold it was! They ceased to study their instruments; for, like the
men, they seemed, Steve said, to have given up in despair of being able
to go down low enough to register the number of degrees.

In spite of all efforts, Andrew had gone back to his bunk, where he lay
day after day cuddling his pipes, and growing more and more despondent.
Watty also went back, though Steve tried in every way to interest him in
sports--running, jumping, and the like. He wanted to "gang hame to his
mither," he said; and when strong men grew so despondent, it was useless
to blame a boy.

It was during one of the darkest times that Steve found the four
Norwegians together upon the deck. It was when the skies were black
with clouds, and a terrible wind howled through the standing rigging,
and threatened to tear down the canvas sheltering of the deck; and it
was not to be wondered at that the men's spirits were down to their
lowest ebb, and that, consequent upon a report from the doctor, Captain
Marsham had asked the prayers of all present for their two brethren who
lay grievously mentally sick, for it was more from brain than from
bodily ailment. It was Sunday, and the proper observance of that day
had always been carefully kept up. Steve, heart-sore, and as depressed
as any one on board, had gone on the deck to have a run up and down, as
it was impossible to go out; and he soon became aware that Skene was
trotting at his heels. Directly after he came upon Johanne