nearly eight o'clock
In the basket were left several slices of bread , a junk of corned beef weighing about two pounds , and some apples and doughnuts . In a short time the tiny boiler , which held about a pint , was full of boiling water , to which La Salle added some coffee , and soon each had a small but refreshing draught , which helped wonderfully to restore their usual warmth and vigor of circulation . From the lunch-basket , whose contents had remained untouched all day , a slight meal was taken , and then the remainder of the provisions put carefully away , although a second cup of coffee was left preparing in the lantern for possible contingencies . La Salle looked at his watch -- it was nearly eight o'clock . `` We are now well down off Point Prime , and are probably under the lee of other ice , as we no longer feel the tossing of the sea . The boats are all ready for use , but it is not likely we shall need them to-night , unless , indeed -- Let us hold a council of war , and decide at once on our course of action . '' -LSB- Illustration : -RSB-