Meanwhile the man in the boat was skilfully making his way between the great cakes of ice, which threatened every moment to crush his frail skiff.

He rapidly drew near until he finally jumped ashore, and, having tied his boat, hastened up to where the general sat on his horse.

He stopped.
"I have been across, general," he said, saluting.
"So I perceive, sir.

How did you get across ?" "When I left you, sir, this afternoon," went on the young man, gravely, "I was in such a hurry that I did not wait for anything.

I swam it, sir, with my horse." "Swam it!" "Yes, sir." "Very well done, indeed! Was it cold ?" "Not very, sir.