midday
As the south coast line opened , the helm was put down , and the vessel was hove to under a high cliff and jutting cape , which protected her from the rush of the ice-laden current . Both anchors were at once let go . Fortunately they found good holding ground . All the rest of that day , and till dawn the next , did the gale rage ; but as the short night passed , the wind sank , and by midday it was but a breeze . The current running between the islands soon swept the ice away . But before trusting himself in these strange waters the captain determined to send a boat across to the greater island , on which rose a rugged hill of considerable height . Both Mrs. Cromwell and Viola begged for a run on shore , so the larger boat was manned by Bok and three seamen , Bob and Jack each taking an oar , while the captain and the women occupied the stern-sheets .