The lights were lit after that, and kept burning brightly all through the long winter--one large lamp on the deck of the _Ice King_, and another equally large in front of the hut on shore. Smaller lamps were likewise kept burning constantly indoors. Hunting continued from week to week, and the boys aided in the shooting of more polar bears, and also in bringing down several large musk oxen. The musk oxen, with heads resembling big buffalo bulls, were a source of great wonder to the lads. "This is hunting, and no mistake," said Andy. "I wonder what the fellows in Maine would say to these, if they could see them." "Beats moose hunting, doesn't it, Andy?" "Rather. By the way, Chet, I'd like to know how my Uncle Si is making out." "He ought to be up here. Phew! wouldn't he complain of the cold! It was 38° below zero this morning!" "I know it, and Professor Jeffer says it will be colder than that before long." They had to guard carefully against the cold, for it would have been an easy matter to have an ear or one's nose frostbitten. As it was, one of the sailors had a big toe "nipped" by the frost, and suffered greatly because of it. The boys found it unwise even to touch anything metallic with a bare hand, for fear the member would get "burnt" or cling fast. It was late in November that something happened which disturbed the party not a little. Late in the day, while Andy and Chet were dozing in their bunks, they not having anything to do, there came a curious grinding sound from the sides of the _Ice King_. "What is that?" asked Andy, as he sat up and rubbed his eyes. "Bless me if I know," responded Chet. "Let us go on deck and see." They donned their fur coats and mitts, and ran out on the deck just as the grinding increased. They found Captain Williamson and Barwell Dawson engaged in earnest conversation. "It's the ice pack," explained the explorer. "It is closing in on us." "Closing in!" cried Andy. "Why, it's as close in now as it can get!" "Not quite," was the grim reply. "Why, do you mean----" Andy stopped short. "Isn't the _Ice King_ strong enough to stand the pressure?" questioned Chet. "The steamer is braced to stand a great deal. But this ice has an enormous power," replied Captain Williamson. "If it comes against us too strongly, it may crush the ship like an eggshell." At first the commander could think of nothing to do to relieve the vessel, but presently it was suggested that the ice be chopped away from the bow and one side in a slanting direction. All hands, including the boys, went at the work, with picks, and crowbars, and spades. It was a fight against nature and the elements, and never did men and boys work harder. As they labored, the ice of the vast pack continued to move closer to the ship, causing the _Ice King_ to groan and crack in every timber.