“Of course.”
“But one moment. Tell me—I felt a shock. Are we running right for the coast, due south?”
“I wish we were,” said the captain gravely. “No; the storm seemed to swing round, and is blowing almost in a contrary direction. We are running north-east, and unless I can get her head to wind and the steam well up we shall soon be amongst the drifting ice.”
He hurried out of the cabin and closed the door after him, while the doctor hastened to get Steve’s mackintosh from his stiffened body and arms, and helped him to put on a fur-lined coat.
“That’s better,” said the doctor.
Steve nodded.
“How are your feet—numbed?”
“No,” said Steve, rather faintly, “I think they are all right. I was crouched together sitting on them.”
“And your hands?”
“They were in my breast. There’s nothing the matter now. I only felt confused, and as if I could not think or do anything.”