i 9 02] DEPOT 'B' 37 



where the sun has shone on blue walls, caverns have been 

 melted and icicles hang over glassy, frozen pools. We found 

 some of the icicles still dripping. 



'Intent on wasting no more of our precious time, we got 

 back to our depot as quickly as possible, and set about re- 

 arranging the loads, taking stock, and fixing up the depot. 

 Whilst we were thus employed a very chill wind came up from 

 the south, and we did not escape without some frost-bitten 

 fingers ; however, after luncheon we got away and started 

 head to wind and driving snow at n p.m. At midnight I got 

 an altitude which gives the latitude as 80.30, and at 1.30 we 

 camped, as we have decided now to start our marches earlier 

 every day until we get back into day routine. 



' As I write I scarcely know how to describe the blessed 

 relief it is to be free from our relay work. For one-and-thirty 

 awful days have we been at it, and whilst I doubt if our human 

 endurance could have stood it much more, I am quite sure 

 the dogs could not. It seems now like a nightmare, which 

 grew more and more terrible towards its end. 



' 1 do not like to think of the difference between the state 

 of our party now and as it was before we commenced this 

 dreadful task; it is almost equally painful to think of the gain, 

 for during all this time we have advanced little more than half 

 a degree of latitude, though I calculate we have covered 

 330 miles (380 statute miles). 



1 But it is little use thinking of the past ; the great thing is 

 to make the best of the future. We carry with us provisions 

 for four weeks and an odd day or two, a little dog-food, our 

 camp equipment, and, for clothing, exactly what we stand in. 



' At the depot, which I have now called Depot " B," we 

 have left three weeks' provision and a quantity of dog-food. 

 This should tide us over the homeward march, so that the 

 present stock can all be expended before we return to 

 Depot "B "; and all will be well if we can get back within 

 four weeks, and if we have a clear day to find the spot. 



'Poor "Vic" was sacrificed to-night for the common 

 good.' 



