On their return they reported several open spaces and much young ice--not more than a day old, so thin that it was easily broken by throwing pieces of ice upon it.") By what miracle we escaped being dashed to utter destruction, I do not know.

I remember our little craft creaked and groaned, as if its joints were breaking.

It rocked and staggered to and fro as if clutched by some fierce undertow of whirlpool or maelstrom.
Fortunately our compass had been fastened with long screws to a crossbeam.

Most of our provisions, however, were tumbled out and swept away from the deck of the cuddy, and had we not taken the precaution at the very beginning to tie ourselves firmly to the masts of the sloop, we should have been swept into the lashing sea.
Above the deafening tumult of the raging waves, I heard my father's voice.

"Be courageous, my son," he shouted, "Odin is the god of the waters, the companion of the brave, and he is with us.