"Incomparably so; but for the last few years it has been observed that the bay has a tendency to be closed up again, and according to investigations made by navigators, it may probably be so for a long time--a still greater reason for us to go on as far as possible. Just now we look like people who get into unknown galleries, the doors of which are always shut behind them." "Do you advise me to back out?" asked Shandon, endeavouring to read the answer in the doctor's eyes. "I! I have never known how to take a step backward, and should we never return, I say 'Go ahead.' However, I should like to make known to you that if we do anything imprudent, we know very well what we are exposed to." "Well, Garry, what do you think about it?" asked Shandon of the sailor. "I? Commander, I should go on; I'm of the same opinion as Mr. Clawbonny; but you do as you please; command, and we will obey." "They don't all speak like you, Garry," replied Shandon. "They aren't all in an obedient humour! Suppose they were to refuse to execute my orders?" "Commander," replied Garry coldly, "I have given you my advice because you asked me for it; but you are not obliged to act upon it." Shandon did not reply; he attentively examined the horizon, and descended with his two companions on to the ice-field. CHAPTER XI THE DEVIL'S THUMB During the commander's absence the men had gone through divers works in order to make the ship fit to avoid the pressure of the ice-fields. Pen, Clifton, Gripper, Bolton, and Simpson were occupied in this laborious work; the stoker and the two engineers were even obliged to come to the aid of their comrades, for, from the instant they were not wanted at the engine, they again became sailors, and, as such, they could be employed in all kinds of work on board. But this was not accomplished without a great deal of grumbling. "I'll tell you what," said Pen, "I've had enough of it, and if in three days the breaking up isn't come, I'll swear to God that I'll chuck up!" "You'll chuck up?" replied Gripper; "you'd do better to help us to back out. Do you think we are in the humour to winter here till next year?" "To tell you the truth, it would be a dreary winter," said Plover, "for the ship is exposed from every quarter." "And who knows," added Brunton, "if even next spring we should find the sea freer than it is now?" "We aren't talking about next spring," said Pen; "to-day's Thursday; if next Sunday morning the road ain't clear, we'll back out south." "That's the ticket!" cried Clifton. "Are you all agreed?" said Pen. "Yes," answered all his comrades. "That's right enough," answered Warren, "for if we are obliged to work like this, hauling the ship by the strength of our arms, my advice is to backwater." "We'll see about that on Sunday," answered Wolsten. "As soon as I get the order," said Brunton, "I'll soon get my steam up." "Or we'd manage to get it up ourselves," said Clifton.