Chapter 11—The Devil’s Thumb
During the commander’s absence the men had been variously busied in attempts to relieve the ship from the pressure of the ice. Pen, Clifton, Bolton, Gripper, and Simpson had this in charge; the fireman and the two engineers came to the aid of their Comrades, for, as soon as the engines did not require their attention, they became sailors, and as such could be employed in all that was going on aboard the ship.
But there was a great deal of discontent among them.
“I declare I’ve had enough,” said Pen; “and if we are not free in three days, I swear I sha’ n’t stir a finger to get the ship out.”
“Not stir a finger!” answered Plover; “you’d better use them in getting back. Do you think we want to stay here till next year?”
“It certainly would be a hard winter,”
