e ready to move as soon as we crush in through this thin ice,"
said Regnar, pointing to the new ice and broken fragments over which
they had crossed at dark. "Let us put our guns and food in the boat, and
have her already for use; by morning we shall have a heavy nip, or a
shift of wind, and in either case we ought to change our quarters."

As they turned to descend the hummock, a crack was heard, and a large
part of the berg fell with a terrible crash. Peter and Waring rushed
from the hut with cries of terror, and Carlo, whining with fear, bounded
up the slope, as if to seek protection from his master. Regnar was the
first to recover his coolness.

"Let us see what damage is done now," said he; and descending, he seized
an oar and a rope, and went to the verge of the chasm. La Salle rushed
into the hut, lighted his lantern, and joined Regnar, who was fastening
the rope around his waist. "I don't think there is much danger, but if I
get in, haul me out," said he, giving the coil into La Salle's keeping;
and seizing the lantern, he leaped down upon the severed portion.

Fearlessly moving along the face of the berg, he surveyed it as
thoroughly as possible by the light of his lantern, and at last,
approaching the lowest part of the wall, called to them to pull sharply
on the rope, and with its help ascended the berg.

"You are all right just now," said he, "but when a strain does come upon
us, the cleavage will be right through our hut. We had better get our
tools into the boat, and keep watch during the night, for, with the
first nip, or heavy sea, we shall no longer have a house to cover us."

It may well be believed but few of the party slept much that night, and
that the first dawn was hailed as a welcome visitant. Regnar alone, who
had been the first to give the alarm, was the only one who could sleep
soundly through the hours not occupied on the watch, and he alone awoke
refreshed and vigorous when the welcome sunrise flooded the east with
rosy beams, and cast a magical flood of reflected light over every berg
and pinnacle.

[Illustration]

CHAPTER XVIII.

A CHANGE OF BASE.--BUILDING A SNOW-HUT.--THE VIEW FROM THE BERG.--A
STRANGE MEETING.

Breakfast over, all decided to remove at once to the higher ice of the
vast floe occupied by the seals. There were a number of reasons why this
place was chosen, but the principal ones were, that it would be likely
to be sought by sealers, would supply them for