ecting to see the deck rise beneath their feet, as the ice rose along
the points of contact between the floes. Such, in all probability, would
have been the result, had not the pressure brought about another change,
that was quite as much within the influence of the laws of mechanical
forces, though not so much expected. Owing to the wedge-like form of the
vessel's bottom, as well as to the circumstance that the ice of the outer
floe had a similar shape, projecting beneath the schooner's keel, the
craft was lifted bodily, with an upward jerk, as if she were suddenly
released from some imprisoning power. Released she was, indeed, and that
most opportunely, for another half-minute would have seen her ribs broken
in, and the schooner a mangled wreck. As she now rose, Roswell gave vent
to his delight in a loud cry, and all hands felt that the occurrence might
possibly save them. The surge upward was fearful, and several of the men
were thrown off their feet; but it effectually released the schooner from
the nip, laying her gradually up in the sort of dock that her people had
been so many hours preparing for her reception. There she lay, inclining a
little, partly on her bilge, or sewed, as seamen term it, when a vessel
gets a list from touching the ground and being left by the tide, neither
quite upright, nor absolutely on her beam-ends.

No sooner was the vessel thus docked, than all apprehension of receiving
further injury from the outer floe ceased. It might force the schooner
altogether on the inner field, driving the vessel before it, as an
avalanche of mud in the Alps is known to force cottages and hamlets in its
front; but it could no longer 'nip' it. It did not appear probable to the
two masters, however, that the vessel would be forced from its present
berth, the rending and cracking of the ice sensibly diminishing, as the
two floes came closer and closer together. Nor was this all: it was soon
very obvious that the inner field was drifting, with an increased motion,
into the bay, while the larger, or outer floe, seemed to hang, from some
cause or other. Of the fact there was soon no doubt, the fissure beginning
to open, as slowly and steadily as it had closed, but noiselessly, and
without any rending of the ice.

"We shall get you clear, Daggett! we shall get you clear!" cried Roswell,
with hearty good-will, forgetting, in that moment of generous effort, all
feelings of competition and rivalry. "I know what you are