Pagina 444 di 483

In this manner many appalling hours passed; several of my dogs

died, and I myself was about to sink under the accumulation of

distress when I saw your vessel riding at anchor and holding

forth to me hopes of succour and life. I had no conception that

vessels ever came so far north and was astounded at the sight. I

quickly destroyed part of my sledge to construct oars, and by

these means was enabled, with infinite fatigue, to move my ice

raft in the direction of your ship. I had determined, if you were

going southwards, still to trust myself to the mercy of the seas

rather than abandon my purpose. I hoped to induce you to grant me

a boat with which I could pursue my enemy. But your direction was

northwards. You took me on board when my vigour was exhausted,

and I should soon have sunk under my multiplied hardships into a

death which I still dread, for my task is unfulfilled.