Of course, had the sledge gone in, the weight of it would have carried the dogs to the bottom of the sea.

We drew a long breath, and, reaching the solid ice on the other side of this pontoon bridge, plunged on to the north.

But we had gone only a short distance when right in front of us the ice separated with loud reports, forming another open lead, and we were obliged to camp.
The temperature that night was 50 deg.

below zero; there was a fresh breeze from the southeast and enough moisture in the open water close by us to give the wind a keen edge, which made the time occupied in building igloos decidedly unpleasant.

But we were all so thankful over our escape from losing that imperiled sledge with its precious load that personal discomforts seemed indeed of small account..