Free The Voyages and Adventures of Captain Hatteras by Jules Verne Page B

was hardly more than a cable's length from the Forward , and threatened to crush it.
    Pen broke out with a fearful oath.
    "Silence!" cried a voice which it was impossible to recognize in the roar of the hurricane.
    The mass appeared to be falling upon the brig, and there was an indefinable moment of terror; the men, dropping their poles, ran aft in spite of Shandon's orders.
    Suddenly, a terrible noise was heard; a real water-spout fell on the deck of the brig, which was lifted in the air by a huge wave. The crew uttered a cry of terror, while Garry, still firm at the wheel, kept the course of the Forward steady, in spite of the fearful lurch.
A real water-spout fell on the deck of the brig
    And when they looked for the mountain of ice, it had disappeared; the passage was free, and beyond, a long channel, lit up by the sun, allowed the brig to continue her advance.
    "Well, Dr. Clawbonny," said Johnson, "can you explain that?"
    "It's very simple, my friend," answered the doctor. "It happens very often; when these floating masses get detached in a thaw, they float away in perfect equilibrium; but as they get towards the south, where the water is relatively warmer, their base, eaten away by running into other pieces, begins to melt, and be undermined; then comes a moment when the centre of gravity is displaced, and they turn upside down. Only, if this had happened two minutes later, it would have fallen on the brig and crushed us beneath it."
Seals on the ice

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CHAPTER IX.
ANOTHER LETTER.

    The Polar Circle was crossed at last; on the 30th of April, at midday, the Forward passed by Holsteinborg; picturesque mountains arose in the east. The sea appeared almost free of ice, or, more exactly, the ice could be avoided. The wind was from the southeast, and the brig, under foresail, staysail, and topsails, sailed up Baffin's Bay.
    That day was exceptionally calm and the crew was able to get some rest; numerous birds were swimming and flying about the ship; among others, the doctor noticed some wild birds which were very like teal, with black neck, wings, and back, and a white breast; they were continually diving, and often remained more than forty seconds under water.
    This day would not have been marked by any new incident, if the following extraordinary fact had not taken place.
    At six o'clock in the morning, on returning to his cabin after his watch was over, Richard Shandon found on his table a letter, addressed as follows:—
    To C OMMANDER R ICHARD S HANDON ,
                On board the Forward ,
                                  B AFFIN'S B AY .
Another letter
    Shandon could not believe his eyes; but before reading it, he summoned the doctor, James Wall, and the boatswain, and showed them the letter.
    "It's getting interesting," said Johnson.
    "It's delightful," thought the doctor.
    "Well," cried Shandon, "at last we shall know his secret."
    He tore open the envelope rapidly, and read the following:—

    C OMMANDER : The captain of the Forward is satisfied with the coolness, skill, and courage which the crew, officers, and you, yourself, have shown of late; he begs of you to express his thanks to the crew.
    Be good enough to sail due north towards Melville Bay, and thence try to penetrate into Smith's Sound.

K. Z.,                 
Captain of the Forward .    
         Monday, April 30, O FF C APE W ALSINGHAM .

    "And is that all?" cried the doctor.
    "That's all," answered Shandon.
    The letter fell from his hands.
    "Well," said Wall, "this imaginary captain says nothing about coming on board. I don't believe he ever will."
    "But how did this letter get here?" asked Johnson.
    Shandon was silent.
    "Mr. Wall is right," answered the doctor, who had picked up the letter, and who was turning it over with hands as well as in his mind. "The captain won't come on board, and for an excellent reason."
    "What is it?" asked Shandon, quickly.
    "Because he's on board