'GANS ON ICE

by Lucille D'ecoupage

Upon the Whaler's worde, we are cutting a channel by hand through the new ice and advancing at the rate of two miles a day ~ and being driven back at the rate of three ~

Farthing turned from his position at the window and sighed, "There is no sign of sled nor mountain for that matter..."

The Doctor continued scribbling in his journal as he spoke, "All in good time Richard."

"My sense of time is growing confused."

"'Tis the lack of daylight." Thomas looked up at his friend. They both appeared haggard - deep lines were etched in their faces, eyes drooped. The flesh seemed to hang from their bones.

"Too much sleep..." Farthing mumbled.

Lt Caudal came into the room without knocking. The other two barely acknowledged him as he proceeded straight to the stove to warm his hands. "We have cut our prescribed channel for the day. The ship is made fast and we shall start again in the morning."

"I hope the Whaler's word is as good as his claim." said Farthing, "His people should have made their way south weeks ago. Are there Cariboo in these climes?"

"A search party Sir?" said Caudal, eager for adventure.

"I should like to make harbour before we dispatch anyone else. We cannot remain in open water for the duration of winter... We shall have to choose our location well lest we are pressed against the shore."

A silence fell upon them as they considered this scenario. Caudal made his way over to a curtained bunk and removed his military issue wool overcoat. Considered to be of the finest weave, it was no match for the howling winds and plunging temperatures of their present location. He stoked the fire frugally, under the watchful gaze of the Captain and stood close to the small stove to gain more warmth. He began to hum a tune from his youth and in a moment of small miracles, the other two joined him. Soon they sang together a song that began -

A holiday, a holiday and

the first one of the year.

Lord Arnold's wife came

to the church and the

gospel she did hear.

When the meeting it was done

she cast her eyes about,

There she spied little Matty Groves

walking through the crowd.

Come home with me little Matty Groves

come home with me tonight,

Come home with me young Matty Groves

and sleep with me til light...