igo2] THE ROYAL TERROR THEATRE 277 



Experiences of this sort taught us the valuable lesson 

 of never leaving our sledges on our long sledge journeys 

 except under the most favourable conditions. It can be 

 imagined that one was often tempted to do this to get a better 

 knowledge of some object which lay off the line of march, 

 but when such a ditour became necessary, wisdom suggested 

 that the sledges should be taken as far as possible towards the 

 object, even if the ground were rough ; and although we often 

 marched in threatening and stormy weather, [it was always 

 with our temporary home behind us. 



The idea of requisitioning our large hut as a place of 

 entertainment had occurred to us early in the winter, and in 

 this connection it was first used for a concert given during the 

 first week in May. Royds, who took much pains in getting 

 up this function, arranged a long programme in order to bring 

 forth all the available talent ; but although we were not 

 inclined to be critical of our amusements, one was fain to 

 confess that our company had not been chosen for their 

 musical attainments. However, there were exceptions to the 

 mediocrity, and some exhibition of dramatic talent, which 

 prompted the conception of a modified entertainment for 

 a future occasion ; so Barne was entrusted with the task 

 of producing a play, and after much casting about succeeded 

 in getting his company together. All became very diligent 

 with rehearsals, and as these were conducted in the hut with 

 all due secrecy, the audience remained in ignorance of 

 even the name of the play until the night of its production. 

 It was decided that this should be immediately after our mid- 

 winter celebrations, and my diary for June 25 gives some 

 account of this great night : 



' At seven to-night we all journey across to the hut, forcing 

 our way through a rather keen wind and light snowdrift. 

 The theatre within looks bright and cheerful, but as there are 

 no heating arrangements other than the lamps, one conquers 

 the natural instinct to take off one's overcoat and head 

 covering, and decides that it will be wise to retain these gar- 

 ments throughout the performance. On one side of the large 



