CHAPTER XIII.
ALONG THE FRONT OF THE ICEBERGS.
Although the seas beyond the Polar Circle were wildly tumultuous, it is but just to acknowledge that our navigation had been accomplished so far under exceptional conditions.

And what good luck it would be if the _Halbrane_, in this first fortnight of December, were to find the Weddell route open! There! I am talking of the Weddell route as though it were a macadamized road, well kept, with mile-stones and "This way to the South Pole" on a signpost! The numerous wandering masses of ice gave our men no trouble; they were easily avoided.

It seemed likely that no real difficulties would arise until the schooner should have to try to make a passage for herself through the icebergs.
Besides, there was no surprise to be feared.

The presence of ice was indicated by a yellowish tint in the atmosphere, which the whalers called "blink." This is a phenomenon peculiar to the glacial zones which never deceives the observer.
For five successive days the _Halbrane_ sailed without sustaining any damage, without having, even for a moment, had to fear a collision.
It is true that in proportion as she advanced towards the south the number of icepacks increased and the channels became narrower.

On the 14th an observation gave us 72 deg.