MRS. KEENEY (with wild joy—­kissing him).  God bless you for that, David!

(He turns away from her silently and walks toward the companionway.  Just at that moment there is a clatter of footsteps on the stairs and the SECOND MATE enters the cabin.)

MATE (excitedly).  The ice is breakin’ up to no’th’rd, sir.  There’s a clear passage through the floe, and clear water beyond, the lookout says.

(KEENEY straightens himself like a man coming out of a trance. MRS. KEENEY looks at the MATE with terrified eyes.)

KEENEY (dazedly—­trying to collect his thoughts).  A clear passage?  To no’th’rd?

MATE.  Yes, sir.

KEENEY (his voice suddenly grim with determination).  Then get her ready and we’ll drive her through.

MATE.  Aye, aye, sir.

MRS. KEENEY (appealingly).  David!

KEENEY (not heeding her).  Will the men turn to willin’ or must we drag ’em out?

MATE.  They ‘ll turn to willin’ enough.  You put the fear o’ God into ’em, sir.  They’re meek as lambs.

KEENEY.  Then drive ’em—­both watches. (With grim determination) They’s whale t’ other side o’ this floe and we’re going to git ’em.

MATE.  Aye, aye, sir.

(He goes out hurriedly.  A moment later there is the sound of scuffing feet from the deck outside and the MATE’S voice shouting orders.)

KEENEY (speaking aloud to himself—­derisively).  And I was a-goin’ home like a yaller dog!

MRS. KEENEY (imploringly).  David!

KEENEY (sternly).  Woman, you ain’t a-doin’ right when you meddle in men’s business and weaken ’em.  You can’t know my feelin’s.  I got to prove a man to be a good husband for ye to take pride in.  I got to git the ile, I tell ye.

MRS. KEENEY (supplicatingly).  David!  Aren’t you going home?

KEENEY (ignoring this question—­commandingly).  You ain’t well.  Go and lay down a mite. (He starts for the door.) I got to git on deck.

(He goes out.  She cries after him in anguish, “David!” A pause.  She passes her hand across her eyes—­then commences to laugh hysterically and goes to the organ.  She sits down and starts to play wildly an old hymn. KEENEY reenters from the doorway to the deck and stands looking at her angrily.  He comes over and grabs her roughly by the shoulder.)

KEENEY.  Woman, what foolish mockin’ is this? (She laughs wildly, and he starts back from her in alarm.) Annie!  What is it? (She doesn’t answer him. KEENEY’S voice trembles.) Don’t you know me, Annie?

(He puts both hands on her shoulders and turns her around so that he can look into her eyes.  She stares up at him with a stupid expression, a vague smile on her lips.  He stumbles away from her, and she commences softly to play the organ again.)