Page:Works of Jules Verne - Parke - Vol 2.djvu/353

 overturning, and sweeping the packs along like grains of sand before the hurricane-blast.

"This is the worst danger that has ever threatened us yet," said Johnson to Dr. Clawbonny.

"Yes, it looks appalling enough, certainly," replied the Doctor.

"It is a regular assault, and we must prepare to meet it," said Johnson.

"I declare, one could fancy it was a whole pack of antediluvian monsters, such as might be supposed to live about the North Pole. They all seem pushing each other, and hurrying on to see which will arrive first."

"Aye, and some are armed with sharp lances, which I advise you to steer clear of, Dr. Clawbonny."

"It is going to be a regular siege," exclaimed the Doctor. "Come and let us be up on the ramparts."

Away he rushed to the stern, where all the crew were stationed with poles, and iron bars, and hand spikes, ready to repulse the formidable enemy.

The avalanche arrived, increasing in height as it came, owing to the accumulation of smaller icebergs it caught up in its train. Cannon-balls were fired, by the captain's orders, to break the threatening line of attack; but it advanced nearer and nearer, and at length dashed against the brig with a tremendous crash, breaking part of the bulwarks.

"Keep to your posts, and look out for the bergs," shouted Hatteras.

There was much need, for they were boarding the vessel with irresistible force: already packs weighing several hundredweight had scaled the sides, while the smaller ones, which had been dashed up in the onset as high as the masts, fell down in a shower of pointed arrows, breaking the shrouds and cutting the rigging. Some of the sailors were sorely wounded by these bristling barbs as they stood, pole in hand, each doing his utmost to repulse their assailants, though almost overpowered by their numbers. Among others, Bolton had his left shoulder completely ripped up. The noise was terrible, and to add to it, Duk barked his loudest with rage. The darkness of night greatly increased the horrors of the situation, without hiding from view the angry packs glistening in their dazzling whiteness.