A moment's halt would have allowed the sledge to break through, and leave them struggling in the water.

There was no time for remark.

Each man held his breath.

Meetuck sent the heavy lash with a tremendous crack over the backs of the whole team; but just as they neared the solid floe the left runner broke through.

In a moment the men flung themselves horizontally upon their breasts, and scrambled over the smooth surface until they gained the white ice, while the sledge and the dogs nearest to it were sinking.