"They don't all speak like you, Garry," replied Shandon. "They aren't all in an obedient humour! Suppose they were to refuse to execute my orders?"
"Commander," replied Garry coldly, "I have given you my advice because you asked me for it; but you are not obliged to act upon it."
Shandon did not reply; he attentively examined the horizon, and descended with his two companions on to the ice-field.
CHAPTER XI
THE DEVIL'S THUMB
During the commander's absence the men had gone through divers works in order to make the ship fit to avoid the pressure of the ice-fields. Pen, Clifton, Gripper, Bolton, and Simpson were occupied in this laborious work; the stoker and the two engineers were even obliged to come to the aid of their comrades, for, from the instant they were not wanted at the engine, they again became sailors, and, as such, they could be employed in all kinds of work on board. But this was not accomplished without a great deal of grumbling.
"I'll tell you what," said Pen, "I've had enough of it, and if in three days the breaking up isn't come, I'll swear to God that I'll chuck up!"
"You'll chuck up?" replied Gripper; "you'd do better to help us to back out. Do you think we are in the humour to winter here till next year?"
"To tell you the truth, it would be a dreary winter," said Plover, "for the ship is exposed from every quarter."