i9l RETURN OF CAMPBELL 239 



From here I decided to turn back and to take, as far as pos- 

 sible, all the stores to Hut Point. I then thought that by any 

 means that lay within our power we should try to reach Lieu- 

 tenant Campbell and his party. As the sea ice would in all likeli- 

 hood be impossible, we should probably have to take the route 

 along the plateau, ascending the first Ferrar Glacier and making 

 our way along the plateau as far as we were able. 



On the second day we came again to the resting-place of the 

 three and bade them there a final farewell. There alone in their 

 greatness they will lie without change or bodily decay, with the 

 most fitting tomb in the world above them. 



Our journey back was uneventful. Two of the mules had to 

 be killed because of their condition and to give food to the dogs. 

 Five returned from the Barrier, and for the remainder of their 

 days had as good a time as we could give them. 



On the morning of November 25 two dog teams, with Cherry- 

 Garrard, Demetri, and myself, having pushed ahead of the mules, 

 reached Hut Point. Cherry went into the hut and returned with 

 a letter and his face transformed. I think we had then the best 

 news that any men could wish for many, many a long weary day. 

 Campbell and his party, having all survived the winter, had made 

 their way down, arriving at Hut Point on November 6. 



We proceeded in all haste to Cape Evans, there to have the 

 goodly sight of their rounding countenances. They had filled out 

 wonderfully on the good and unusual food, and each and every 

 one was now heavier than he had ever been in his life. It was a 

 sad home-coming for them after their hard time. 



I can only here say that I can never be sufficiently grateful 

 to all the members of the Expedition who were with me during 

 this bad season, for their entire loyalty and good-fellowship; 

 never one moment's trouble and always cheerful and willing. 



