It was merely a glimpse--the impatient Walrus allowing us but a moment for examination--but it appeared sufficient for the purposes of the old sealer.

We were already across the mouth of the cove, and within a cable's length of the ice again; for as we drew near what may be called the little cape, we found ourselves once more in closer proximity to the menacing mountain.

It was a moment when all depended on decision; and fortunately, our sealer, who was so wary and procrastinating in a bargain, never had occasion to make two drafts on his thoughts, in situations of emergency.

As the ship cleared the promontory on the eastern side of the cove, we again opened a curvature of the ice, which gave a little more water to leeward.

Tacking was impossible, and the helm was put hard aweather.