1903] SHACKLETON'S RELAPSE 89 



points is that at the worst, when we felt that we carried a great 

 deal more than we ought, and were suffering in consequence, 

 we still craved for more. Our appetites are in a state which 

 it seems impossible to satisfy, and this morning we are as 

 hungry as ever. 



'A few hours of fitful sleep followed this uncomfortable 

 experience, and we awoke to find a heavy blizzard and the 

 usual obscurity without. The first thought of pushing onward 

 was speedily abandoned when we found that Shackleton had 

 relapsed into the worst condition. To the reaction from the 

 excitement of last night is added the most trying condition of 

 weather. The result is very dreadful. Our poor patient is 

 again shaken with violent fits of coughing and is gasping for 

 breath ; it looks very serious.' 



1 Later. — There is no doubt Shackleton is extremely ill; 

 his breathing has become more stertorous and laboured, his 

 face looks pinched and worn, his strength is very much 

 reduced, and for the first time he has lost his spirit and grown 

 despondent. It is terrible to have to remain idle knowing that 

 we can do nothing to help. I have talked to Wilson to-night, 

 who thinks matters are very critical, and advises pushing on to 

 the ship at all hazards. The only chance of improvement lies 

 in a change of weather, and if this blizzard continues the worst 

 consequences may ensue. We have enough food now to carry 

 him on the sledge, but to-night one may well doubt whether 

 he will be well enough for that. It is a great disappointment ; 

 last night we thought ourselves out of the wood with all our 

 troubles behind us, and to-night matters seem worse than 

 ever. Luckily Wilson and I are pretty fit, and we have lots 

 of food.' 



1 January 30. — Shackleton scarcely slept at all last night ; 

 his paroxysms of coughing grew less only from his increasing 

 weakness. This morning he was livid and speechless, and his 

 spirits were very low. He revived a little after breakfast, and 

 we felt that our only chance was to get him going again. It 

 took him nearly twenty minutes to get out of the tent and on 

 to his ski ; everything was done in the most laboured 



