their number lessened, and every one wished to be the first that should follow him. As he died in winter, they dug a grave in the snow as deep as they could, in which they laid the corpse, and then covered it to the best of their power, that the white bears might not get at it.
Now, at the time when the melancholy reflections occasioned by the death of their comrade were fresh in their minds, and each expected to pay this last duty to the remaining companions of his misfortunes, or to receive it from them, they unexpectedly got sight of a Russian ship. This happened on the 15th of August, 1749.
The vessel belonging to a trader, of the sect called by its adherents Stara Vieva, that is, the Old Faith, who had come with it to Archangel, proposing it shonld winter in Nova Zembla: but, fortunately for our poor exiles, Mr. Vernezobre, Director of the whale-fishery, proposed to the merchant to let his vessel winter at West-Spitzbergen; which he at last, after many objections; agreed to.
The contrary winds they met with, on their passage, made it impossible for them to reach the place of their destination. The vessel was driven towards East-Spitbergen, directly opposite to the residence of our mariners; who, as soon as they perceived her,
