“Hurrah! we are leaving the big iceberg behind!” cried Andy, a few minutes later, and his words proved true.
“I can see clear water ahead!” called out Professor Jeffer, shortly afterwards, and then he turned, to get the photographs he wanted of the big iceberg.
The report concerning open water was correct, and, having left the vicinity of the big iceberg, Captain Williamson had the steamer steered in something of a big circle. Thus they avoided all but the small ice. The latter, however, thumped and bumped on the bow and sides as strongly as ever, and once there came a shock that threw everybody on the deck headlong.
“I hope that doesn’t damage us any,” observed Andy, when this new scare was over.
“It may start some of the seams,” answered Barwell Dawson, “although the vessel was reënforced to withstand just such knocks.”
Inside of an hour the Ice King had passed all the big icebergs and a large portion of the floating cakes. Clear blue water was ahead, for which all on board were thankful.
“I didn’t expect this, so far south,” said Captain Williamson, after making a tour of the ship, and having had the deck cleaned up. “It is unusual.”
“I know it,” answered Barwell Dawson. “I am thankful we didn’t run into the big iceberg at night.”
“Yes, darkness would have made the situation much worse.”
“Have we started any of the ship’s seams?” asked Dr. Slade.