19"] THE LAST MESSAGE 417 



cause. I do not think human beings ever came through such a 

 month as we have come through, and we should have got through 

 in spite of the weather but for the sickening of a second com- 

 panion, Captain Oates, and a shortage of fuel in our depots 

 for which I cannot account, and finally, but for the storm which 

 has fallen on us within 1 1 miles of the depot at which we hoped 

 to secure our final supplies. Surely misfortune could scarcely 

 have exceeded this last blow. We arrived within 1 1 miles of our 

 old One Ton Camp with fuel for one last meal and food for two 

 days. For four days we have been unable to leave the tent 

 the gale howling about us. We are weak, writing is difficult, 

 but for my own sake I do not regret this journey, which has 

 shown that Englishmen can endure hardships, help one another, 

 and meet death with as great a fortitude as ever in the past. 

 We took risks, we knew we took them; things have come out 

 against us, and therefore we have no cause for complaint, but 

 bow to the will of Providence, determined still to do our best 

 to the last. But if we have been willing to give our lives to this 

 enterprise, which is for the honour of our country, I appeal to 

 our countrymen to see that those who depend on us are properly 

 cared for. 



Had we lived, I should have had a tale to tell of the hardi- 

 hood, endurance, and courage of my companions which would 

 have stirred the heart of every Englishman. These rough notes 

 and our dead bodies must tell the tale, but surely, surely, a great 

 rich country like ours will see that those who are dependent on 

 us are properly provided for. 



R. Scott. 



