THE POLAR JOURNEY 539 



" Thursday, March 29. Since the 21st we have had a 

 continuous gale from W.S.W. and S.W. We had fuel to 

 make two cups of tea apiece and bare food for two days on 

 the 20th. Every day we have been ready to start for our 

 depot // miles away, but outside the door of the tent it 

 remains a scene of whirling drift. I do not think we can 

 hope for any better things now. We shall stick it out to 

 the end, but we are getting weaker, of course, and the end 

 cannot be far. 



" It seems a pity, but I do not think I can write more. 



R. Scott." 



Last entry. " For God's sake, look after our people." 



The following extracts are from letters written by 

 Scott : 



To Mrs. E. A. Wilson 



My dear Mrs. Wilson. If this letter reaches you, Bill 

 and I will have gone out together. We are very near it 

 now and I should like you to know how splendid he was at 

 the end — everlastingly cheerful and ready to sacrifice him- 

 self for others, never a word of blame to me for leading him 

 into this mess. He is not suffering, luckily, at least only 

 minor discomforts. 



His eyes have a comfortable blue look of hope and his 

 mind is peaceful with the satisfaction of his faith in regard- 

 ing himself as part of the great scheme of the Almighty. 

 I can do no more to comfort you than to tell you that he 

 died as he lived, a brave, true man — the best of comrades 

 and staunchest of friends. 



My whole heart goes out to you in pity. Yours, 



R. Scott. 

 To Mrs. Bozvers 



My dear Mrs. Bowers. I am afraid this will reach 

 you after one of the heaviest blows of your life. 



I write when we are very near the end of our journey, 

 and I am finishing it in company with two gallant, noble 

 gentlemen. One of these is your son. He had come to be 

 one of my closest and soundest friends, and I appreciate 

 his wonderful upright nature, his ability and energy. As 



