i 9 o THE VOYAGE OF THE 'DISCOVERY 5 [Nov. 



nothing will persuade him but that his breakdown is in the nature 

 of disgrace. What children these men are ! and yet what 

 splendid children ! They won't give in till they break down, 

 and then they consider their collapse disgraceful. The boat- 

 swain has been suffering agonies from his back ; he has been 

 pulling just behind me, and in some sympathy that comes 

 through the traces I have got to know all about him, yet he 

 has never uttered a word of complaint, and when he knows my 

 eye is on him he straightens up and pretends he is just as fit 

 as ever. What is one to do with such people ? ' 



* November 21. — . . . There was nothing for it this morn- 

 ing but to go on with relay work. We started over heavy 

 sastrugi, but soon came to a space where there was a smooth 

 glazed crust, which made travelling easier. The wind blows 

 continuously from the W.S.W., and the temperature has not 

 been above — 30 all day ; conditions could not be more 

 horrid. Handsley is better, but our whole day's work has 

 only yielded four or five miles. Whatever disappointment it 

 may entail, we cannot go on like this.' 



* November 22. — After a night's cogitation, I determined 

 this morning on a separation of our 'party. Till lunch we 

 went on in the usual order, but at that meal I was obliged 

 to announce my decision. Those told off to return took it 

 extremely well ; they could not disguise their disappointment, 

 but they all seemed to understand that it had to be. The 

 boatswain was transferred to the other tent, and Lashly to 

 mine. After lunch the whole party manned our single sledge 

 and marched out with us for two hours, then as the sky looked 

 threatening, the three returning members turned back to seek 

 their own camp, whilst I and my chosen two marched steadily 

 on to the west.' 



We had now lost sight of landmarks for several days, and 

 were marching as straight a course as we could, principally 

 with the aid of a small steering dial such as I described as 

 being in use on our southern journey. The error of our 

 compass had passed from east to west, and was nearly at its 

 maximum of 1 8o° ; although I could not calculate it accurately 



