So it appeared, however; for the strip of ice floated along on the waves for three hours in the centre of an absolutely circular and unbroken horizon. The poor colonists still hoped on.
Towards three o'clock, the Lieutenant took the Sergeant aside, and said to him-
"We are advancing at the cost of the solidity and duration of our islet."
"What do you mean, sir?"
"I mean that the ice is being rapidly fretted away as it moves along. Its speed is hastening its dissolution, and since we set sail it has diminished one-third."
"Are you quite sure?"
"Absolutely certain. The ice is longer and flatter. Look, the sea la not more than ten feet from the hill!"
It was true, and the result was what might naturally have been expected from the motion of the ice.
"Sergeant," resumed Hobson, "do you think we ought to take down our sail?"
"I think," replied Long, after a moment's reflection, "that we should consult our comrades. We ought all to share the responsibility of a decision now."