The chief mate was everywhere, and
commanded the ship when the captain was below. When a large piece of
ice was seen in our way, or drifting near us, the word was passed
along, and the ship's head turned one way and another; and sometimes
the yards squared or braced up. There was little else to do than to
look out; and we had the sharpest eyes in the ship on the
forecastle. The only variety was the monotonous voice of the
look-out forward- "Another island!"- "Ice ahead!" "Ice on the lee
bow!"- "Hard up the helm!"- "Keep her off a little!"- "Stead-y!"
In the meantime, the wet and cold had brought my face into such a
state that I could neither eat nor sleep; and though I stood it out
all night, yet, when it became light, I was in such a state, that
all hands told me I must go below, and lie-by for a day or two, or I
should be laid up for a long time, and perhaps have the lock-jaw. When
the watch was changed I went into the steerage, and took off my hat
and comforter, and showed my face to the mate, who told me to go below
at once, and stay in my berth until the swelling went down, and gave
the cook orders to make a poultice for me, and said he would speak
to the captain.
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