The thermometer registered 53 deg.

(11 deg.

67' C.below zero).

So, although the sun was nearing the horizon, the ice was melting, and thousands of small streams flowed in every direction.
The early birds awoke at four o'clock, and I was one of their number.

I had scarcely slept, and I fancy that Dirk Peters did not sleep much, haunted as he was by the sad thought of having to turn back! The launch was to take place at ten o'clock.