litary officers in their greatcoats walked the deck with rapid steps,
as a matter of duty, for the sake of exercise. Gradually, too, the sea
went down, and the "Ranger" glided forward on her course under her usual
canvas.

Colonel Morley more than once asked the commander whether they had not
by this time got into the latitude where icebergs were to be found. "We
keep a sharp look-out for them, colonel, as I promised you," answered
the commander. "They are not objects we are likely to run upon while
the weather remains clear, and as long as we have a good breeze there is
no fear. They are, I confess, awkward customers to fall in with in a
thick foe during a calm."

"You may think I am over-anxious, captain," observed the colonel, "but
we cannot be too cautious with so many lives committed to our charge;
and when I tell you that I was sole survivor of the whole wing of a
regiment on board a ship lost by the over-confidence of her commander
when I was an ensign, you will not be surprised at my mentioning the
subject."

"You are right, colonel, you are right," said Commander Newcombe. "I
pray that no such accident will happen to us; but danger must be run,
though we who are knocking about at sea all our lives are apt to forget
the fact till it comes upon us somewhat suddenly."

Willy Dicey did not find keeping watch at night now quite so pleasant as
in warmer latitudes; still, with his pea-coat buttoned well up to his
chin, and his cap drawn tightly down over his head, he kept his post
bravely on the forecastle, where he now had the honour of being
stationed. "He is the most trustworthy midshipman on board," said Mr
Tobin, the first-lieutenant. "I can always depend on him for keeping
his eyes open, whereas Peter Patch is apt to shut his, and make-believe
he is wide awake all the time." This praise greatly encouraged Willy.
He determined to do his best and deserve it. Blow high or blow low, he
was at his station, never minding the salt sprays which dashed into his
eyes, and at times nearly froze there, when the wind blew cold and
strong.

The "Ranger" continued her course, making good way, the wind being
generally favourable.

The only grumblers among the passengers were three or four of the young
lieutenants and ensigns, who, having finished all their novels, and not
being addicted to reading works of a more useful description, found the
time hang heavily on their hands. They ought to have followed the
ex