306 THENORTHPOLE 



nearly before the wind, for it would have been impossible 

 to move and follow a trail with the gale in our faces. 

 As it was, the dogs scudded along before the wind much 

 of the time on the gallop. Under the impact of the 

 storm the ice was evidently crushing southward and 

 bearing us with it. I was strongly reminded of the 

 wild gale in which we regained "storm camp" on our 

 return march in 1906. Luckily there was no lateral 

 movement of the ice, or we should have had serious 

 trouble. When we camped that night, at 87° 47', I 

 wrote in my diary: "From here to the Pole and back 

 has been a glorious sprint with a savage finish. Its 

 results are due to hard work, little sleep, much expe- 

 rience, first class equipment, and good fortune as 

 regards weather and open water." 



During the night the gale moderated and gradually 

 died away, leaving the air very thick. All hands 

 found the light extremely trying to the eyes. It was 

 almost impossible for us to see the trail. Though 

 the temperature was only 10° below zero, we covered 

 only Bartlett's last march that day. We did not 

 attempt to do more because the dogs were feeling the 

 effects of the recent high speed and it was desired to 

 have them in the best possible condition for the next 

 day, when I expected some trouble with the young ice 

 we were sure to meet. At this spot certain eliminations 

 which we were compelled to make among the dogs left 

 us a total of thirty -five. 



Sunday, April 11, proved a brilliant day, the sun 

 breaking through the clouds soon after we left camp. 

 The air was nearly calm, the sun seemed almost hot, 

 and its glare was intense. If it had not been for our 



