DOCTOR SVENDSEN'S FATE. 167 



overwhelming impression made by the doctor's death is indescrib- 

 able, and there were some among those strong healthy men who 

 did not recover from it until many months were over. 



The body was placed down in the cable-tier until the funeral 

 could take place. On June 16 I wrote: 'The flag is flying at 

 half-mast from the peak to-day. It is the first time it has been 

 in this position on board the " Fram," let us hope it will indeed 

 be the last.' 



The funeral was a seaman's one. With the body and bier 

 covered by flags, we walked out to Eice Strait, where a large hole 

 was opened in the ice. It was an affecting moment. The doctor's 

 lifeless body was lowered to the water-side, the prayers read, and 

 a hymn sung. Then followed the moment when he slowly slipped 

 into the deep. We shall never forget it. We sang a hymn, and 

 said the Lord's Prayer. 



