322 VOYAGE TO THE POLAR SEA. Mat 



' The following things were left for the use of the two 

 men who remained : — For the sleeping place, besides 

 the bags, the lower robe, the sail, and the two duffle 

 mats ; for cooking, the stewpan and a pannikin for a 

 lamp, which answers very well, as I knew from having 

 had it tried during the morning. Amusements : a 

 book, " Peveril of the Peak," and the two small packs 

 of cards supplied to each sledge, presented to the Ex- 

 pedition by the Empress Eugenie. For telling the 

 time, a compass belonging to one of the men, and a 

 copy of the true bearings for the month. The rifle, 

 ammunition, saw, and snow-knife were also left. 



' Woolley, not knowing that I intended him to 

 remain on account of his own stiffness, volunteered to 

 stay behind to take care of the patient. Lorrimer was 

 assisted down to the snow-house and put in his bag. 

 Having said good-bye to the two men, we started across 

 James Eoss Bay.' 



Five days afterwards, on the return journey, 

 GifFard relates : ' On the 18th Woolley was seen coming 

 to meet us from the hospital. He told us that 

 Lorrimer was no better, and would certainly have to 

 go back to the ship on the sledge ; he took a little 

 exercise daily, but it has not taken away the stiffness. 

 The snow all about the hospital and neighbouring 

 land was too deep and soft to allow of any extended 

 walk being taken. No living thing was seen during our 

 absence ; once Woolley thought he heard the scream of 

 a gull. The hospital . was never too cold, nor did the 

 wind trouble them at all ; the great discomfort was the 

 damp from the snow melting inside whilst the men were 

 asleep. The time had passed very slowly, and would 



