An inquiry from Jack led to Captain Bertram telling his story.
It seems that the Albatross had made a most successful voyage.
The ship had captured several whales, had a hold full of oil, and was returning, homeward bound, when adverse winds bore it into the storm area.
The Albatross was driven north and cast upon the Arctic coast.
The icebergs threatened to crush the ship, and the captain, believing they were not far out of the course of ships, determined to attempt to save the cargo.
The barrels of oil were therefore landed and piled away in a nook near the coast.
The next day the ice broke, carrying the Albatross some distance.
The ship was wrecked, but not so badly but that it afforded a temporary home for the crew.
They remained on the ship all through the rigorous winter, and then started to find a settlement.
On the way Stephen Morris, in scaling an ice cliff, fell into the sea.