His prophecy was correct, for a number of the other icebergs broke apart, following the fate of their companion. New spires and angles took the place of those that were lost, and the contours changed almost with the rapidity of the figures in a kaleidoscope. But whatever the changes, the net result was beauty. It was as though Nature were determined that her handicraft should not be marred even though changed materially in form.
For several hours the boys remained as though riveted to the deck, feasting their eyes on the sight before them. They were thrilled, they were deeply affected by the beauty of the changing bergs.
Others on the Meteor, however, had none of their leisure to enjoy the spectacle. The situation was one that called for the greatest care and vigilance. The wireless operators were up to their ears in work with the sending of warning messages to all vessels that were in or nearing the zone of danger, and officers and crew were active and anxious for the safety of the Meteor herself.
The vessel was under the necessity of keeping near enough to the bergs to map and measure them, and yet far enough away to prevent any possibility of coming in contact with an underwater projection of a berg. The boys had sense enough not to ask questions or get in the way during this anxious period, and for their part were perfectly content to be left to themselves and keep their eyes on the spectacle of absorbing interest.
Gradually the Meteor worked herself into a position to the north of the whole fleet that kept drifting steadily away to the south, leaving only one great berg as a rearguard at the end of the procession.
They were studying this, half regretting its gradual withdrawal, when Captain Springer, who now had time to draw his breath, stopped as he was passing by where they were standing at the rail.
“Well, boys,” he said, with a genial smile, “what do you think of the free show that you’ve had this morning?”
“Wonderful,” answered Bob with enthusiasm.
“The most magnificent thing in the world,” affirmed Joe.
“Beats anything I ever saw or dreamed of,” declared Herb.