76 THE VOYAGE OF THE 'DISCOVERY' g AN . 



everything that was unnecessary, overhauling mast and sail, 

 and generally putting everything ship-shape. When we got 

 away at last we carried, besides our own belongings, a small 

 quantity of food for our two remaining dogs, the whole 

 amounting to a weight of 510 lbs., or 170 lbs. per man. We 

 made a fairly good march, and to our surprise the sledges came 

 easily ; the only marring element was poor Shackleton's heavy 

 breathing. The sky has been overcast all day, but for a short 

 time we had a good view of the lower land and could very 

 clearly see the leading marks on which we had placed the 

 depot, a sight which would have meant much to us a day or 

 two ago. 



c Soon after coming to camp I went to the sledges to feed 

 the dogs, and, looking round, found that Wilson had followed 

 me ; his face was very serious, and his news still more so. 

 He told me that he was distinctly alarmed about Shackleton's 

 condition ; he did not know that the breakdown would come 

 at once, but he felt sure that it was not far removed. The 

 conversation could only be conducted in the most fragmentary 

 fashion for fear it should be overheard, but it was sufficiently 

 impressive to make our supper a very thoughtful meal. It's a 

 bad case, but we must make the best of it and trust to its not 

 getting worse ; now that human life is at stake all other objects 

 must be sacrificed. It is plain that we must make a bee-line 

 for the next depot regardless of the northern coast ; it is plain 

 also that we must travel as lightly as possible. 



' It went to my heart to give the order, but it had to be 

 done, and the dogs are to be killed in the morning. I have 

 thought of the instruments, which are a heavy item, but some 

 of them may be needed again, and I am loath to leave any 

 until it is absolutely necessary. 



1 One of the difficulties we foresee with Shackleton, with his 

 restless, energetic temperament, is to keep him idle in camp, 

 so to-night I have talked seriously to him. He is not to do 

 any camping work, but to allow everything to be done for 

 him ; he is not to pull on the march, but to walk as easily 

 as possible, and he is to let us know directly he feels tired. 



