THE COMMANDANT'S HERMIT LIFE. 459 



They were to return thence to the ' Fram,' with the greater part of 

 the depot, while Fosheini remained behind with a sufficient supply 

 of provisions for the two men who were expected from the north. 



We thought, however, that the various things to be done at 

 Bjorneborg after the return from Land's End would keep the 

 ' Fram ' folk at the depot long enough for Isachsen and Hassel, in 

 any circumstances, to catch them there, and that then they could 

 all return together to the ' Fram.' 



If it so happened, which was greatly to be desired, that the 

 northern party had already reached Bjorneborg before the ' Fram ' 

 party arrived there, the Land's End journey was, of course, to be 

 given up, and all were to return home as quickly as possible with 

 the depot. The ' Fram ' party were to take with them a loose 

 team for Fosheim's baggage. 



It can be imagined how bvisy the retiring commandant was later 

 in the day, packing his things and getting ready for a start. We 

 say a mouse is busy even when it is in ' the straw,' but certainly a 

 mouse is a trifle compared with Bay in the present circumstances. 

 He had not time even to eat, which speaks volumes for his state 

 of mind. Fosheini and I invited him to a sumptuous six o'clock 

 repast, which was doubly a farewell dinner, for not only was Bay 

 leaving his fortress, but I was also taking leave of Fosheim. 



Fosheim and I had gone through a long and arduous journey 

 in company, and two people so live themselves together, so to 

 speak, on an expedition of the kind, that even though the parting- 

 is not likely to be of long duration, one in a way feels the separation. 

 Fosheim was as capable a fellow as he was a pleasant companion ; 

 he was ready for everything, and was never at a loss. He often 

 took upon himself the toughest jobs, and had our doing as much 

 as possible greatly at heart. In our daily work he was always 

 cheerful and even-tempered, and on commemorative occasions often 

 had a surprise in the background, with which to add to the brilliance 

 of the festivity, as, for instancy, his cigars, and song composed for the 

 Seventeenth of May. Altogether I have a very great deal to thank 

 him for. He had also been the acting botanist on this journey, 

 though he had not been able to collect much. 



Then came the solemn moment when we were to begin our 



