192 NORTHWARD 



Whales — memories which we need not be ashamed of 

 recaUing. On board the Fram gramophone music had 

 not been heard since Christmas Eve, 1910, and the 

 members of the sea party were glad enough to encore 

 more than one number. 



Outside the limits of the programme we were treated 

 to an extra number by a singer, who imitated the 

 gramophone in utilizing a big megaphone, to make up 

 for the deficiencies of his voice — according to his own 

 statement. He hid behind the curtain of Captain 

 Nilsen's cabin, and through the megaphone came a 

 ditty intended to describe life on the Barrier from its 

 humorous side. It was completely successful, and we 

 again had a laugh that did us good. Performances of 

 this kind, of course, only have a value to those who 

 have taken part in or are acquainted with the events 

 to which they refer. In case any outsider may be 

 interested in seeing what our entertainment was like, 

 a few of the verses are given here. 



It must be remarked that the author composed his 

 production in the supposition that we should be able to 

 meet by Christmas, and he therefore proposed that for 

 the moment we should imagine ourselves to be cele- 

 brating that festival. We made no difficulty about 

 acceding to his request: 



Well, here we are assembled to jollity once more. 



Some from off the ocean and the rest from off the shore. 



A year has passed since last we met and all are safe and sound. 



Then let us banish all our cares and join our hands all round. 



