Page:The frozen North; an account of Arctic exploration for use in schools (IA frozennorthaccou00hort).pdf/150

 she entered Melville bay the pack closed round her, and the 4th of July found the little vessel snugly frozen in.

Here she remained for a week, during which the average temperature was about 31° F. On July 11, the ice separated and the ship began to move. The engines were started in a hurry. After forcing a passage through a mass of thick ice, the ship was freed and proceeded on her journey.

While the process of ramming the ice was going on, Mr. Peary met with an accident. A large cake of ice struck the rudder, tearing the wheel from the hands of the two men on duty. Peary's leg was caught between the iron tiller and the house, and both bones snapped above the ankle. The ship's surgeon set the broken leg, and Peary recovered rapidly. He was, however, unable to use his leg for many weeks.

Soon the Kite ran into McCormick bay, where a site for a house was selected. It was now about the middle of July, and the short summer was at its height. The sun was bright and warm, and the temperature about like that of an April day in the temperate zone.

The ice still filled the bay, but narrow streams of water trickled through in all directions, cutting the ice into great pieces which rose and fell with the tide. Little brooks ran down the mountains and through the valleys by the side of great glaciers, while the snowbirds chirped and twittered, enjoying the brief summer time.

The country around was bright with flowers. Tracks of reindeer, foxes, and hares were repeatedly noticed, and seals and walruses abounded, so that the party had no fear of suffering for want of fresh meat.

The wood for the house was taken off the ship. In order to insure warmth, the walls were made double, with