364 Chapter VI. 



hope does not rise above its normal height. I had a 

 bath this evening in a tin tub in the galley ; trimmed 

 and clean, one feels more of a human being." 



"Thursday, March ist. We are lying almost still. 

 Beautiful mild weather, only 2^ F. below zero ( 19 C.), 

 sky overcast ; light fall of snow, and light wind. We 

 made attempts to sound to-day, having lengthened our 

 hemp line with a single strand of steel. This broke off 

 with the lead. We put on a new lead and the whole 

 line ran out, about 2,000 fathoms, without touching 

 bottom, so far as we could make out. In process of 

 hauling in, the steel line broke again. So the results 

 are : no bottom, and two sounding leads, each of 

 100 Ibs. weight, making their way down. Goodness 

 knows if they have reached the bottom yet. I declare 

 I feel inclined to believe that Bentzen is right, and 

 that it is the hole at the earth's axis we are trying to 

 sound." 



" Friday, March 2nd. The pups have lived until now 

 in the chart-room, and have done all the mischief there 

 that they could, gnawing the cases of Hansen's instru- 

 ments, the log-books, etc. They were taken out on deck 

 yesterday for the first time, and to-day they have been 

 there all the morning. They are of an enquiring turn of 

 mind, and examine everything, being specially interested 

 in the interiors of all the kennels in this new laro-e town." 



o 



" Sunday, March 4th. The drift is still strong south. 

 There is north-westerly wind to-day again, but not quite 



