CHAPTER XIX.
THE BREAKING ICE.
Far as the eye could reach a scene of bewildering beauty met the vision of the enchanted boys.
To the far south a level field of snow-covered ice seemed to reach, while on the east and west were towering walls of ice, between which an open sheet of water alone admitted of the onward progress of the ship.
Except for this glimpse of the sea, everywhere was ice and snow.
Will surveyed the scene in mute interest for some moments. Then he turned to Jack, who stood by his side.
“How did we get here?” he asked.
“Drifted, floated and blew, lad,” replied the old boatswain, sententiously. “The storm took us along, and we couldn’t help it.”
“And we are still going north?” remarked Will.
“Yes, lad; because the ice has closed around us behind. Our hope is of striking the open sea somewhere and getting back to our old bearings.”
“And if we don’t, Jack?”