FINAL PREPARATIONS 



have not returned by then something very serious must 

 have happened." 



My instructions provided for the conclusion of the 

 work of the expedition in its various branches, and for 

 the steps to be taken for the relief of the men left in the 

 Antarctic in the case of the non-return of the Southern 

 Party. Everything was ready for the start of the 

 journey towards the Pole as the end of October ap- 

 proached, and we looked forward with keen anticipation 

 to the venture. The supporting-party was to- consist 

 of Joyce, Marston, Priestley, Armytage and Brockle- 

 hurst, and was to accompany us for ten days. Day 

 was to have been a member of this party, but he 

 damaged his foot while toboganning down a slope at 

 the winter quarters, and had to stay behind. The 

 weather was not very good during our last days at 

 the hut, but there were signs that summer was approach- 

 ing. The ponies were in good condition. We spent 

 the last few days overhauling the sledges and equipment, 

 and making sure that everything was sound and in its 

 right place. In the evenings we wrote letters for those 

 at home, to be delivered in the event of our not returning 

 from the unknown regions into which we hoped to 

 penetrate. 



