The sea was frozen at last, and for many long months there would be no breaking of waves upon the rocks or lapping of tides upon the sandy beach.

The Frost King, grim and inexorable, had ascended his throne, and the world, subdued into utter silence, lay prostrate and submissive at his feet.
Toward noon Jimmy came over, hauling behind him a sled, and upon it his sleeping bag of caribou skin, to say that Skipper Ed had gone that morning to his traps and would not return until the following evening, and Jimmy was to stay at Abel's over night.

This was the custom when Skipper Ed was away, and of course Jimmy was more than welcome with both Abel and Mrs.Abel, and Bobby was delighted.
When dinner was over Abel, with a long stick, went down to inspect the ice.

He prodded it with the stick, and finding it to his satisfaction stepped out upon it, and still prodding ahead of him made a wide circuit.

The ice bent as he walked, but sea ice is tough, and may be perfectly safe though it bends.