1876 ALDRICH MEETS LIEUT. MAY. 43 



Malley, and what lie thought of my proceedings I 

 don't know, for with a yell of " Challenger " I dis- 

 appeared back among the hummocks, and returned to 

 the sledge where it was waiting for me to shackle on 

 again. My news was received with a shout, and 

 thinking it might be a shooting party, I promised them 

 hare for supper. I then left them to pitch their tent, 

 and walked in towards the shore. As I neared it, 

 among the hummocks, I met Lieutenant May and 

 Malley. 



' On learning that they had been despatched to our 

 assistance by Captain Nares, on his seeing the condi- 

 tion of the Northern Party when they returned, the 

 relief to my mind I cannot describe. All difficulties 

 seemed to vanish ; and the very sight of the fine 

 healthy and " clean " appearance of our visitors led me 

 to look for a much more rapid and comfortable return 

 on board than I have thought about for some weeks. 

 I accompanied May to his tent at the depot, while 

 Malley went out to the men to lend them a hand in 

 pitching their tent and cooking, &c. As soon as pos- 

 sible we sent off Thornback with medical comforts for 

 their supper ; and I cautioned both him and Malley 

 about saying anything of the deaths which had oc- 

 curred during our absence, fearing the effect it might 

 have on the men. 



4 1 was truly distressed to hear of the death of 

 my poor servant, George Porter, and Petersen ; and 

 I congratulated myself, and felt deeply grateful, that 

 we had arrived with all hands alive, if not well. 



' Having arranged with May to send two hands to 

 help us along in the morning, and that the depot should 



