GREENLAND BY THE POLAR SEA 



with the good comradeship and the joy of labour which from 

 the outset we made it a point of honour to esteem on this ex- 

 pedition, surely we have all experienced that, in spite of all 

 differences between us in mind and in character, for every day 

 that goes, for every good result achieved, and for every diffi- 

 culty surmounted, we grow in unity, are tied to each other 

 with closer bonds and love each other more dearly. 



" What concerns one concerns us all. For here where we 

 have only each other to fall back on, we have a common fate, 

 and common are all the dispensations allotted to us. 



" When commonly we feel it so, how obvious then that 

 our unity should manifest itself yet more strongly when the un- 

 usual happens — especially when a catastrophe strikes down a 

 comrade. 



" Never shall I forget the atmosphere in our tent during 

 the days when we searched for Hendrik, constantly hoping 

 that he might reappear from behind some hill. The uncanni- 

 ness, the feeling of desperate helplessness, at not being able to 

 do anything, a strain on the nerves which made us all start, 

 listening to every unusual sound which broke the great stillness 

 about us. 



" In vain we searched, in vain we stared our eyes tired 

 across mountains and doughs. Hendrik was destined never 

 to return to share the joys of the home-coming with the rest of 

 us. Never was he to reap the reward for all his faithful help- 

 fulness after toil, and his happy laughter will no more sound 

 for us during the stir of camp-breaking. 



" It would be superfluous in this modest memorial address 

 to say anything about Hendrik himself. We all knew him for 

 a brother, and to know him meant to love him. 



' We know how out of nothing he created his position, 

 which amongst his people and in his circle was a leading one, 

 and we know with what faithfulness and interest he executed 

 all his duties. 



" In Thule his place will be empty and it will be difficult to 

 fill, and never shall I have a helper there who in such a beautiful 

 way will understand how to make the interests of the station 

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