n
to the engine-room, and heard a voice shouting, "No, it would be
dangerous--cabin!"

How he was helped down he did not know, but he revived a little to the
fact that the doctor and captain were by him, and in spite of the din it
was possible to hear what was said.

"Is he frost-bitten?"

"No, I think not."

"Keep him down here, then, and stay yourself."

"Are you going back on deck?"

"Of course."

"But one moment. Tell me--I felt a shock. Are we running right for the
coast, due south?"

"I wish we were," said the captain gravely. "No; the storm seemed to
swing round, and is blowing almost in a contrary direction. We are
running north-east, and unless I can get her head to wind and the steam
well up we shall soon be amongst the drifting ice."

He hurried out of the cabin and closed the door after him, while the
doctor hastened to get Steve's mackintosh from his stiffened body and
arms, and helped him to put on a fur-lined coat.

"That's better," said the doctor.

Steve nodded.

"How are your feet--numbed?"

"No," said Steve, rather faintly, "I think they are all right. I was
crouched together sitting on them."

"And your hands?"

"They were in my breast. There's nothing the matter now. I only felt
confused, and as if I could not think or do anything."

"I felt the same, my lad. It is very awful. I never thought such a
storm was possible. Do you think you can venture to go on deck again?"

"Oh yes, I'm ready. I shan't feel the cold so in this coat."

"Then come and help me. I want to do something to comfort the men if I
can. Let's make our way to the galley."

"Yes."

"I want to get the cook to make a quantity of hot tea. The poor fellows
must have something, or they will perish."

"I'm ready, sir," cried Steve; "come along."

"Wait a minute. Which will be the best way?"

"Get to the bulwarks at once, and creep along till we're opposite the
galley. It will be easy enough then."

"I doubt it, my lad."

Then the door was opened, for a blinding cloud of powdery snow to rush
in; and as they stood together out there once more in the wild shrieking
and yelling of the storm, while the ship shivered and creaked and
throbbed, they had hard work to close the door after them before making
their way on hands and knees through the thick snow to the weather
bulwark, and along by this they crept till abreast of the galley without
coming across a soul. They paused here for a few mome