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cap of that mountain, after a vigorous and somewhat hazardous ascent, that
occupied rather more than an hour. They had greatly aided each other in
achieving their purpose, to be sure; and the ratlin-stuff was found of use
on more than one occasion.

An extraordinary, and, considering the accessories, a most brilliant view,
rewarded the adventurers. But, after a few minutes passed in pure
admiration of what they beheld, the minds of all three adverted to the
parts which gave such unusual splendour to the panorama. Icebergs were
visible on all sides of them, the great bay excepted; and the group was
surrounded by them, in a way that would seem to proclaim a blockade. At
that season, the south winds prevailed, though changes were frequent and
sudden, and the vast frozen fleet was drifting north. Gardiner saw that
the passage by which he had brought in his schooner was now completely
closed, and that the only means of exit from the bay was by its northern
outlet. The great depth of the bergs still prevented their coming within
the cluster of islands, while their number and size completely stopped the
floes from passing.

To the northward, the sea was much more open. Gardiner and Daggett both
thought, as they gazed in that direction, that it would be easy enough to
take a vessel through the difficulties of the navigation, and that a good
run of eight-and-forty hours would carry her quite beyond the crowded ice.
This sight awakened some regrets in the two masters, that they were not
then in a condition to depart.

"I am almost sorry that we have made a holiday of the Sunday," said
Daggett, seating himself on a point of rock, to get a little rest after so
fatiguing an ascent. "Every minute of time is precious to men in our
situation."

"Every minute of time is precious to all men, Captain Daggett, in another
and a still more important sense, if they did but know it," put in
Stimson, with a zealous freedom, and a Christian's earnestness.

"I understand you, Stephen, and will not gainsay it. But a sealin' v'y'ge
is no place, after all, for a man to give himself up to Sabbaths and
religion."

"All places are good, sir, and all hours Sabbaths, when the heart is in
the true state. God is on this naked rock, as he is on the Vineyard; and a
thought, or a syllable, in his praise, on this mountain, are as pleasant
to him as them that arise from churches and priests."

"I believe it is, at least, a mistake in policy to give t