A man less inured to hardships, or less physically fit, would have
surrendered to the icy waters or to fatigue. Grenfell was as fit as
ever a man could be.
In school and college he had made a record in athletic sports, and
since leaving the university he had not permitted himself to get out
of training. An athlete cannot keep in condition who indulges in
cigarettes or liquor or otherwise dissipates, and Grenfell had lived
clean and straight.
It was this that saved his life now. He knew he was fit and he had
confidence in himself, and was unafraid. While he appreciated his
peril, he never lost his nerve, and when finally he was rescued and
found himself on deck he was little the worse for his experience, and
with a change of dry clothing was ready to resume the interrupted game
of cricket with the rescued ball.
With no further adventure than once coming to close quarters with an
iceberg and escaping without serious damage, the _Albert_ arrived in
due time at St. John's, and Grenfell was at once occupied in
preparation for his summer's work on The Labrador.
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