They might as well have tried to arrest the progress of a berg.

On it came, and crushed in the starboard quarter bulwarks.
Providentially at that moment it grounded and remained fast; but the projecting point that overhung them broke off and fell on the deck with a crash that shook the good ship from stem to stern.

Several of the men were thrown violently down, but none were seriously hurt in this catastrophe.
When the storm ceased the ice out in the strait was all in motion, and that round the ship had loosened so much that it seemed as if the _Dolphin_ might soon get out into open water, and once more float upon its natural element.

Every preparation, therefore, was made.

The stores were re-shipped from Store Island; the sails were shaken out, and those of them that had been taken down were bent on to the yards; tackle was overhauled; and, in short, everything was done that was possible under the circumstances.