"That, Doctor," said Johnson, "is one of the greatest perils we have yet met with."
"Yes," answered the doctor, quietly; "it is terrible enough."
"A real attack which we must repel," resumed the boatswain.
"In fact, one might well think it was an immense crowd of antediluvian animals, such as might have lived near the Pole. How they hurry on, as if they were racing!"
"Besides," added Johnson, "some carry sharp lances, of which you had better take care, Doctor."
"It's a real siege," shouted the doctor. "Well, let us run to the ramparts!"
He ran aft where the crew, provided with beams and bars, were standing ready to repel this formidable assault.
The avalanche came on, growing larger at every moment as it caught up the floating ice in its eddy; by Hatteras's orders the cannon was loaded with ball to break the threatening line. But it came on and ran towards the brig; a crash was heard, and as it came against the starboard-quarter, part of the rail had given way.
| "A crash was heard, and as it came against the starboard-quarter, part of the rail had given way." |