warm waters, where they would gradually melt away. So heavy were some
of the shocks received, in spite of all watchfulness, care, and orders
to go astern, that Captain Marsham was at one time for following the
example of the drifting floes and going south. But there was the
knowledge that somewhere, not far from where they were creeping along,
the almost unknown island of Jan Mayen must lie; and it seemed a pity to
leave it now, when the first time the sun appeared they would be able to
learn their position for certain; so he held on.

"I've lost count," said Steve at last. "Is it to-day or to-morrow? The
clock says it's eleven; but is it eleven to-night or eleven to-morrow
morning?"

"Eleven to-night, sir, if you like to call it so," said Johannes.
"We're up so far north now that the sun never sets for months."

"Never rises, you mean. Where is he?"

"You'll see soon, when the fog lifts."

"But will it break up?"

"Of course, sir. Wait a bit, and it will be all hot sunshine, and
always day."

"Go aloft now, my lad," said Captain Marsham; "the fog seems to be
thinner higher up. You may be able to get an observation."

Johannes started for the main shrouds, and Steve saw the captain's
beard, all covered with moisture from the mist, twitch as if he were
laughing.

"At me," thought the lad; and the captain evidently divined his idea,
for he said quietly:

"Wait a bit, Steve, till you get a little more confidence. You would be
certain to feel nervous if you went aloft now."

"I wish he'd forget all about that," muttered the lad.

A minute later there was the loud snap of the cask bottom falling into
its place, and the captain hailed the Norseman.

"Clearer there?"

"Just a wee bit, sir," came from up in the clouds.

"Make out anything?"

"Can't see the length of the ship, sir; but I can hear breakers quite
plain."

"Silence!" cried the captain, and, to use the familiar expression, a pin
might have been heard to drop on the deck.

"I can hear nothing," said the captain softly. "Can you, my boy?"

Steve listened for some time.

"No, sir, not a sound."

"We can hear nothing below. Try once more."

Again there was silence for a few moments, and then, sounding muffled
and strange from the invisible man in the thick cloud, which made even
the main-yard look indistinct, came:

"Breakers, sir, quite plain, away on the starboard bow."

"On ice or rock?"

"So faint, sir, I can't tell yet.