The leads were even more numerous than the day before, and their presence was clearly outlined by the heavy black clouds.

A mile or two east of us there was a lead stretching far to the north and directly parallel with our course, which did not cause us any apprehension.

But a broad and ominous band of black extending far to the east and west across our course and apparently ten or fifteen miles to the north of us, gave me serious concern.

Evidently the ice was all abroad in every direction, and the high temperature and snow accompanying the west wind proved that there was a large amount of open water in that direction.
The outlook was not pleasant, but as some compensation the going was not quite so rough.

As we advanced, I was surprised to find that as yet none of the leads cut Bartlett's trail.