er the bows and found in the scene nothing that appeared
answerable to the uncommon forces we had employed. Nevertheless, I felt
sure that my remark to the Frenchman was sound. A great show of uphove
rocks and fragments of ice might have satisfied the eye; but the real
work of the mines was wanted below; and since the force of the mighty
explosion must needs expend itself somewhere, it was absurd to wish to
see its effects in a part where its volcanic agency would be of little
or no use.

"There is nothing to be seen by staring!" exclaimed the Frenchman
presently, speaking very sullenly. "I am hungry and freezing, and shall
go below!" And with that he turned his back and made off, growling in
his throat as he went.

I got upon the ice and stepped very carefully to the starboard side and
looked down the vast split there. The sea in consequence of the slope
did not come so far, but I could hear the wash of the water very plain.
It was certain that the valley in which we lay was wholly disconnected
from the main ice on this side. I passed to the larboard quarter, and
here too were cracks wide and deep enough to satisfy me that its hold
was weak. It was forward of the bows where the barrels had been exploded
that the ice was thickest and had the firmest grasp; but its surface was
violently and heavily cracked by the explosions, and I thought to myself
if the fissures below are as numerous, then certainly the swell of the
sea ought to fetch the whole mass away. But I was now half frozen myself
and pining for warmth. It was after one o'clock. The wind was piping
freshly, and the great heavy clouds in swarms drove stately across the
sky.

"It may blow to-night," thought I; "and if the wind hangs as it is, just
such a sea as may do our business will be set running." And thus musing
I entered the ship and went below.

CHAPTER XXII.

A CHANGE COMES OVER THE FRENCHMAN.

Tassard was dogged and scowling. Such was his temper that had I been a
small or weak man, or a person likely to prove submissive, he would have
given a loose to his foul tongue and maybe handled me very roughly. But
my demeanour was cold and resolved, and not of a kind to improve his
courage. I levelled a deliberate semi-contemptuous gaze at his own fiery
stare, and puzzled him, too, I believe, a good deal by my cool reserve.
He muttered whilst we ate, drinking plentifully of wine, and garnishing
his draughts with oaths and to spare; and then, after