SUSPENSE 435 



as soon as possible. The dogs began to get very done: 

 Manuki Noogis, who had been harnessed in as leader (for 

 Rabchick had deserted in the night), gave in completely, 

 lay down and refused to be persuaded to go on : we had to 

 cast him off and hope that he would follow. After a time 

 Turtleback Island was visible in the gloom, but it was all 

 we could do, pushing and pulling the sledges to help the 

 dogs, to get them so far. We were now on the older ice: 

 our way was easier and we reached Cape Evans without 

 further incident. We found Rabchick on arrival, but no 

 Manuki Noogis, who never reappeared. 



As weneared the Cape Atkinson turned to me : " Would 

 you go for Campbell or the Polar Party next year ? " he 

 said. " Campbell," I answered : just then it seemed to me 

 unthinkable that we should leave live men to search for 

 those who were dead. 



