CHAPTER IX 



THE WORK AND THE WORKERS 



Sunday, April 23. — Winter Quarters. The last day of the 

 sun and a very glorious view of its golden light over the Barne 

 Glacier. We could not see the sun itself on account of the 

 Glacier, the fine ice cliffs of which were in deep shadow under 

 the rosy rays. 



Impression. — The long mild twilight which like a silver 

 clasp unites to-day with yesterday; when morning and evening 

 sit together hand in hand beneath the starless sky of midnight. 



It blew hard last night and most of the young Ice has gone 

 as expected. Patches seem to be remaining south of the Glacier 

 Tongue and the Island and off our own bay. In this very queer 

 season It appears as though the final freezing Is to be reached 

 by gradual Increments to the firmly established Ice. 



Had Divine Service. Have only seven hymn-books, those 

 brought on shore for our first Service being very stupidly taken 

 back to the ship, 



I begin to think we are too comfortable in the hut and hope 

 it will not make us slack; but it is good to see everyone In such 

 excellent spirits — so far not a rift in the social arrangements. 



Monday, April 24, — A night watchman has been Instituted 

 mainly for the purpose of observing the aurora, of which the 

 displays have been feeble so far. The observer is to look 

 round every hour or oftener If there Is aught to be seen. He 

 Is allowed cocoa and sardines with bread and butter — the cocoa 

 can be made over an acetylene Bunsen burner, part of Simpson's 

 outfit. I took the first turn last night; the remainder of the 

 afterguard follow In rotation. The long night hours give time 

 to finish up a number of small tasks — the hut remains quite 

 warm though the fires are out. 



