Page:A Voyage of Discovery and Research in the Southern and Antarctic Regions Vol 2.djvu/215

VII] driven back with the pack far to the northward, notwithstanding all our efforts, being in latitude 67° 18′ S., and longitude 158° 12′ W. Toward evening, the wind favoured our intentions, by veering round to the north-west, and afterwards to the northward. The clear sea came in sight before dark; and as we approached the margin of the pack, the long westerly swell made the ships roll deeply; at this time the pack edge, consisting of heavy washed pieces, was visible through the deepening shades of night, a fearful line of foaming breakers. Either a storm or a calm would have proved equally dangerous in our present position, and, notwithstanding the disadvantage of such a measure during the period of darkness, it became necessary, at all risks, to push through to the clear water; lest any change of circumstances should arise that might render it impracticable if delayed until daylight. All hands were at their stations, as, impelled by a strong breeze, we advanced on our course, and, aided by the light which the line of broken water afforded, the eye strove in vain to find a spot less difficult by which to gain the clear sea beyond it; but not the smallest break could be detected along this formidable-looking barrier, whilst the necessity of breaking a way through it with our ships became every moment more urgent, as the wind still freshened, threatening us with a gale, and obliging us to reduce our sail to double reefed topsails and courses. Soon after midnight, the Erebus entered the broad band of