THE PLATEAU DESCENDS 119 



the very summit of the plateau, but also the slope down 

 on the far side. This would have a very important 

 bearing for obtaining an idea of the construction of the 

 whole plateau. On December 9 observations and dead 

 reckoning agreed within a mile. The same result again 

 on the 10th: observation 2 kilometres behind reckoning. 

 The weather and going remained about the same as on 

 the preceding days : light south-easterly breeze, tempera- 

 ture - 18'4° F. The snow surface was loose, but ski 

 and sledges glided over it well. On the 11th, the same 

 weather conditions. Temperature - 13° F. Observa- 

 tion and reckoning again agreed exactly. Our latitude 

 was 89° 15' S. On the 12th we reached 89° 30',reckoning 

 1 kilometre behind observation. Going and surface as 

 good as ever. Weather splendid — calm with sunshine. 

 The noon observation on the 13th gave 89° 37' S. 

 Reckoning 89° 38*5' S. We halted in the afternoon, 

 after going eight geographical miles, and camped in 

 89° 45', according to reckoning. 



The weather during the forenoon had been just as 

 fine as before; in the afternoon we had some snow- 

 showers from the south-east. It was like the eve of 

 s«me great festival that night in the tent. One could 

 feel that a great event was at hand. Our flag was 

 taken out again and lashed to the same two ski-sticks 

 as before. Then it was rolled up and laid aside, to be 

 ready when the time came. I was awake several times 

 during the night, and had the same feeling that I can 



