Page:The frozen North; an account of Arctic exploration for use in schools (IA frozennorthaccou00hort).pdf/140

 morning a herd of walruses came in sight. Nansen and two companions jumped into a boat and went after them. One of the men threw a harpoon at the nearest walrus, but did not hit him. This proceeding so startled the other walruses that they plunged into the water, but not before Nansen had shot two of them. They rose again around the boat, bellowing and roaring, and lashing the sea into a foam. It seemed likely that the powerful animals would overturn the boat or pierce it with their tusks. But no accident happened, and Nansen secured several walruses, which served as food for the crew.

By September 25, 1893, they had reached the New Siberia islands, where the Fram was unable to push her way farther, and was soon frozen in the pack. Now there was nothing to do but to wait. At first the time passed pleasantly enough. The men amused themselves by playing games,