th the frost. The food
already cooked was soon as hard as bullets, and it was found that, on the
second night, brandy that was exposed was converted into a lump of ice.
Not only did the intensity of the cold increase, but everything, even to
the human system, seemed to be gradually congealing, and preparing to
become converted into receptacles for frost. Several of the men began to
suffer in their ears, noses, feet and other extremities, and the bunks
were soon the only places in which it was found possible to exist in
anything like comfort. No less than three men had been sent, at intervals
of a few hours, across to the house, with a view to obtain fire, or the
means of lighting one, along with other articles that were considered
necessary to the safety of the people. The cook had been the third and
last of these messengers. He had passed his two shipmates, each lying dead
on the snow,--or, as he supposed, lifeless; for neither gave the smallest
sign of vitality, on an examination. It was in the agony of alarm produced
by these appalling spectacles, that the negro had cried aloud for help,
sending the sounds far enough to reach the ears of Roswell. Still he had
persevered; until chilled, as much with terror, as with the cold and the
want of warm nourishment, the cook had sunk into what would have soon
proved to be his last long sleep, when the timely succour arrived.

It was some two hours after the black had been got into the hut, and was
strengthened with a good hot supper, ere he had communicated all the facts
just related. Roswell succeeded, however, in getting a little at a time
from him; and when no more remained to be related, the plan was already
arranged for future proceedings. It was quite clear no unnecessary delay
should be permitted to take place. The cold continued to increase in
intensity, notwithstanding it was the opinion of the most experienced
among the men that a thaw, and a great spring thaw, was approaching. It
often happens, in climates of an exaggerated character, that these
extremes almost touch each other, as they are said to meet in man.

Roswell left the house, for the second time that eventful night, just at
the hour of twelve. He now went accompanied by the second mate and a
foremast-hand, as well as by his old companion, the boat-steerer. Each
individual drank a bowl of hot coffee before he set out, and a good warm
supper had also been taken in the interval between the return and this new