He himself sat down in it with the children, and up they were hoisted, up and up.

It was so fearsome that the girls shut their eyes and clung to Pete, but when they did open them what a sight they saw! They were not far off the main pack, and as far as the eye could see was one vast field of snow-covered ice.

Their eyes were dazzled in looking at it.
They were not in the crow's-nest, but close beside it, and Pete made them look through the spy-glass.

This was wonderful, for away yonder to the north, and near to the edge of the pack, where the sea looked as black as ink, they could see four great ships, with their crews on the ice, shooting seals and dragging skins.

But in two hours' time the _Valhalla_ herself got north as far as these ships, and was stopped.
Neither of the girls felt cold, for they wore great mits and hoods, and were altogether as snug as mice.
Then a boat was lowered, and when they looked down they could see Tom himself get in with shooting-clothes on and a great rifle in his hand.