"We might as well be comfortable while we can, and though my hut won't have the architectural beauty that Yim could give it, I believe it will keep us warm." It would have been more than easy, and perfectly natural, under the circumstances, to give way to utter despair; for of the several hopeless situations in which our lads had been placed during the past few months, the present was, by far, the worst.

At any moment the ice beneath them might open and drop them into fathomless waters.

Even if it held fast, they were certainly being carried out to sea, where they would be exposed to furious gales that must ultimately work their destruction.

In spite of all this, Cabot Grant insisted on remaining hopefully cheerful.

He said he had squeezed out of just as tight places before, and believed he would get out of this one somehow.