Some of the little dwellings had been crushed flat beneath blocks of ice; others had been swallowed and pulverized when the ice opened beneath them and closed again.

It was a sad sight, but my chief concern just then was the safety of the rudder, which was being attacked viciously by the ice.

We managed to pole away a large lump that had become jammed between the rudder and the stern-post, but I could see that damage had been done, though a close examination was not possible that day.
After the ship had come to a standstill in her new position very heavy pressure was set up.

Some of the trenails were started and beams buckled slightly under the terrific stresses.

But the 'Endurance' had been built to withstand the attacks of the ice, and she lifted bravely as the floes drove beneath her.