GOOD BY TO THE POLE 313 



Now, however, we were getting within the baleful 

 sphere of influence of the "Big Lead," and in the 

 fifth igloos from Columbia (the first ones north of 

 the lead) I passed an intensely uncomfortable night, 

 suffering from a variety of disagreeable symptoms 

 which I diagnosed as those of quinsy. On this march 

 we had brought the land up very rapidly so that I 

 had some consolation for my discomfort. In three or 

 four days at the most, barring accident, our feet 

 would again press land. Despite my aching throat 

 and no sleep, I took much comfort from this welcome 

 thought. 



