264 THE SIEGE OF THE NORTH POLE 



on one side by the kitchen, and on the other by bags and 

 cases containing clothing. Between the field-tents and 

 the second tent tins of milk were built in the form of a 

 wall, and between the second and third tents were stored 

 the provisions likely to be consumed during the winter. 



After all these preparations had been completed, an 

 attempt was made to repair the damaged ship, which still 

 kept its position heeled over in the ice. The water which 

 had leaked into the ship was pumped out, and as far as 

 possible the damaged parts were repaired with tarpaulin 

 and boards. 



During the winter preparations were made for the long 

 sledge-journey in the spring. On the 23rd December the 

 Duke of the Abruzzi went out with some of his party in 

 order to train the dogs to draw sledges. Thev drove to 

 the bottom of the bay, and then turned back. On the 

 return journey a storm came on, and the way was lost. 

 Instead of keeping on the ice of the bay, they wandered 

 unknowingly up on the island, and were only made aware 

 of the fact when two sledges with their dogs, as well as 

 the Duke and Captain Cagni, fell from the glacier down 

 to the bay, a height of some 23 feet. Fortunately, neither 

 was hurt. Owing to the drifting snow and the darkness, 

 great difficulty was experienced in regaining the tent. 

 When it was reached, it was found that several of the 

 party were frost-bitten. The Duke and Captain Cagni 

 had suffered most. The circulation in the terminal joints 

 of two of the Duke's fingers of the left hand could not be 

 restored. 



Christmas and the beginning of the New Year were 

 celebrated with the utmost enthusiasm. Fireworks 

 consisting of rockets and fiery fountains, salutes from the 

 small gun, and bonfires of wood steeped in petroleum, all 

 united to form a striking scene in a land far removed 

 from civilisation. 



