IF£ PREPARE FOR THE SLEDGE EXPEDITION 22 



formance by Lars, the smith, who danced 2i pas seul, to the 

 great amusement of the company. Lars assured us that 

 if he ever reached home again and were present at a 

 gathering similar to those held atChristiania and Bergen on 

 our departure, his legs should be taxed to their uttermost. 

 This was followed by a toast to those at home who were 

 waiting for us year after year, not knowing where to picture 

 us in thought, who were vainly yearning for tidings of us, 

 but whose faith in us and our voyage was still firm — - 

 to those who consented to our departure, and who may 

 well be said to have made the greatest sacrifice. 



" The festivity continued with music and merriment 

 throughout the evening, and our good humor was certain- 

 ly not spoiled when our excellent doctor came forward 

 with cigars — a commodity which is getting highly valued 

 up here, as, unfortunately it is becoming very scarce. The 

 only cloud in our existence is that Sverdrup has not yet 

 quite recovered from his catarrh. He must keep strict 

 diet, and this does not at all suit him, poor fellow! He 

 is only allowed wheaten bread, milk, raw bear's flesh, and 

 oatmeal porridge ; whereas if he had his own way he 

 would eat everything, including cake, preserves, and 

 fruit. But he has returned to duty now, and has already 

 been out for a turn on the ice. 



" It was late at night when I retired to my cabin, but 

 I was not yet in a fit mood to go to sleep. I felt I must 

 go out and saunter in the wonderful moonlight. Around 

 the moon there was, as usual, a large ring, and above it 



