120 THE VOYAGE OF THE 'DISCOVERY' [Feb. 



CHAPTER XVI 



OUR SECOND WINTER 



Effects of the Strain of the Southern Journey — Communication with the 

 ' Morning ' — Change of Weather— Stores Transported — Delays in the 

 Break-up of the Ice -Closing of the Season — Departure of the ' Morn- 

 ing ' — Making Provision for the Winter — Settling Down— Hockey — 

 Departure of the Sun — Fishing Operations— Record Temperatures — 

 The Electrometer — Midwinter Feast — Our Growing Puppies — Hodg- 

 son at Work — The ' Flying Scud ' — Return of the Sun — Signs of 

 Summer — Plans for the Future — General Good Health. 



And so without more circumstance at all 

 I hold it fit that we shake hands and part. 

 Shakespeare. 



Come what come may 

 Time and the hour runs through the darkest day. 



Shakespeare. 



It was a curious coincidence that Colbeck should have chosen 

 the night of our return for his first visit to the ' Discovery.' 

 Up to this time he had felt reluctant to leave his ship, not 

 knowing when a change of weather might occur, but on this 

 day he had decided to visit the company to which he had 

 brought such welcome intelligence, and soon after I had 

 emerged from my first delicious bath and was revelling in the 

 delights of clean garments, I had the pleasure of welcoming 

 him on board. 



In those last weary marches over the barrier I had little 

 expected that the first feast in our home quarters would be 

 taken with strange faces gathered about our festive table, but 



