Read "The Frozen Deep" by Wilkie Collins online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
The first sound that broke the silence came from the inner apartment. An officer lifted the canvas screen in the hut of the _Sea-mew_ and entered the main room. Cold and privation had badly thinned the ranks. The commander of the ship -- Captain Ebsworth -- was dangerously ill. The first lieutenant was dead. An officer of the _Wanderer_ filled their places for the time, with Captain Helding's permission. The officer so employed was -- Lieutenant Crayford.
He approached the man at the fireside, and awakened him.