"Would this not damage the ship?" said Cawdor.
"Oh, no, sirree," was the reply. "We'll sink the keg of powder well under, and it will be the easiest work in the world."
"Well, we'll try," said Cawdor.
So preparations were immediately commenced. Luckily the weather continued fine.
A stout hawser was fastened to the Resolute's main mast head, and carried towards that of the San Salvador, which had been brought near the ice floe and anchored there. This was done with the view of causing the Resolute to take the water keel down, else she might actually turn turtle as it is called.
All being ready the keg of powder was lowered, and lighted by means of a long fuse.
Then ensued a long time of anxious waiting. Minutes on minutes seemed to elapse before the explosion actually took place.
When it did so, instead of being anything very startling, it resolved itself simply into the raising of a vast balloon-shaped fountain of salt water and spray which blinded everyone it fell upon. Pieces of ice also fell with rattling thuds upon the deck of the barque, but no one was hurt. The San Salvador shook and shivered and swayed about for a few moments; huge lumps of the débris of the blasted iceberg thundered against her sides; then it could be seen that the Resolute was slowly righting herself on an even keel, and sinking down to her water-line.
All speed was now made to cut the hawser, but there was no further danger. The rescued brig lay there like a duck upon the water; sail was soon after made, and both vessels moved slowly out to the open waters of the bay.
Much to everyone's surprise the Resolute made scarcely any water; so the Yankee skipper's daring had been well rewarded.