midday
That was clear . The idea of betaking themselves to the _ Dobryna _ and _ Hansa _ could not for a moment be seriously entertained ; not only did the structure of the vessels make them utterly insufficient to give substantial shelter , but they were totally unfitted to be trusted as to their stability when exposed to the enormous pressure of the accumulated ice . Neither Servadac , nor the count , nor Lieutenant Procope were men to be easily disheartened , but it could not be concealed that they felt themselves in circumstances by which they were equally harassed and perplexed . The sole expedient that their united counsel could suggest was to obtain a refuge below ground , and _ that _ was denied them by the strange and impenetrable substratum of the soil ; yet hour by hour the sun 's disc was lessening in its dimensions , and although at midday some faint radiance and glow were to be distinguished , during the night the painfulness of the cold was becoming almost intolerable . Mounted upon Zephyr and Galette , the captain and the count scoured the island in search of some available retreat . Scarcely a yard of ground was left unexplored , the horses clearing every obstacle as if they were , like Pegasus , furnished with wings . But all in vain .