Second Autumn in the Ice. 461 



" ' Yes, but you don't want to shorten your life ? ' 



" ' Oh, I would take my chance of that. You can lose 

 your life at home, too, though, perhaps, not quite so 

 easily as here. But if a man was always to be thinking 

 about that he would never do anything.' 



" 'That's true. Anyhow he would not need to come 

 on an expedition like this. But remember that a journey 

 northward over the ice would be no child's play.' 



" ' No, I know that well enough, but if it was with you 

 I shouldn't be afraid. It would never do if we had to 

 manage alone. We'd be sure to go wrong ; but it's 

 quite a different thing, you see, when there is one to 

 lead that you know has been through it all before.' 



"It is extraordinary the blind faith such men have in 

 their leader ! I believe they would set off without a 

 moment's reflection if they were asked to join in an 

 expedition to the Pole now, with black winter at the 

 door. It is grand as long as the faith lasts, but God be 

 merciful to him on the day that it fails ! " 



"Saturday, September i5th. This evening we have 

 seen the moon again for the first time beautiful full 

 moon, and a few stars were also visible in the night sky, 

 which is still quite light. 



" Notices were posted up to-day in several places. 

 They ran as follows : 



" As fire here on board might be followed by the 

 most terrible consequences, too great precaution cannot 



