210 DEPOT JOURNEYS 



at full gallop. Along the Barrier we went well. Going 

 down to the sea-ice we had to pass through a number of 

 big hummocks a fairly rough surface. Nor was this 

 without consequences; first one sledge, then another, 

 swung round. But no harm was done; we got our 

 gear tested, and that is always an advantage. We also 

 had to pass rather near several large groups of seals, 

 and the temptation was too great. Away went the 

 dogs to one side in full gallop towards the seals. But 

 this time the load was heavy, and they were soon tired 

 of the extra work. In the bay we were in sight of the 

 Fram. The ice had now given way entirely, so that 

 she lay close to the Barrier itself. Our four comrades, 

 who were to stay at home, accompanied us. In the 

 first place, they wanted to see us on our way, and in the 

 second, they would be able to lend us a hand in getting 

 up the Barrier, for we were rather apprehensive that it 

 would cost us a wet shirt. Finally, they were to hunt 

 seals. There was plenty of opportunity here; where- 

 ever one looked there were seals fat heavy beasts. 



I had put the home party under Wisting's command, 

 and given them enough work to do. They were to bring 

 up the remainder of the stores from the ship, and to 

 build a large, roomy pent-house against the western 

 wall of the hut, so that we should not have to go 

 directly on to the ice from the kitchen. We also in- 

 tended to use this as a carpenter's workshop. But they 

 were not to forget the seal-hunting, early and late. It 



