no avail to save a ship. On sounding the pumps it was found that the
ship's hull was still tight, and that she had made but little water.
Still she forged ahead, and great blocks of ice continued to fall on her
deck.

When all eyes were turned towards the captain, and each waited with
breathless anxiety, in the hope that he would give some order that would
at least be a relief to their feelings, even though it were folly to
execute it, Tite mounted the fore-rigging to the top-mast trees, the
surging ship threatening to dash him against the ice wall every minute.
In that fearful position he remained for several minutes, scanning over
the scene ahead, and hoping for some gleam of hope.

There was still a hope of saving the ship. He waved a signal of
encouragement to those below, and quickly descended to the deck. About
half or three-quarters of a mile ahead there was a point indicating the
termination of the berg. If the ship could be kept forging ahead she
might possibly round the point and clear the berg in safety.

Tite communicated to the captain what he had seen, and his belief that
the ship could be saved. All hands now went to work cheerfully, clearing
the deck forward of the ice that had accumulated there. Then the
fore-top-sail was clewed up, the spanker set, the yards braced up sharp,
and the ship continued forging ahead with increased motion. Every yard
of distance gained was measured with a watchful eye, and increased the
confidence of those on board.

"We shall save her yet, captain," said Tite, a smile of satisfaction
playing over his face. "We won't give up the good old ship!"