THE HEART OF THE ANTARCTIC 



to happen. The lameness of a pony in our present 

 situation is a serious thing. If we had eight, or even 

 six, we could adjust matters more easily, but when 

 we are working to the bare ounce it is very serious. 



At 1 p.m. we halted and fed the ponies. As we sat 

 close to them on the sledge Grisi suddenly lashed out, 

 and striking the sledge with his hoof, struck Adams 

 just below the knee. Three inches higher and the 

 blow would have shattered his knee-cap and ended 

 his chance of going on. As it was the bone was almost 

 exposed, and he was in great pain, but said little about 

 it. We went on and at 2.30 p.m. arrived at the sledges 

 which had gone on by motor yesterday, just as the car 

 came along after having dragged the other sledges 

 within a quarter of a mile of the Tongue. I took on 

 one sledge, and Day started in rather soft snow with 

 the other sledges, the car being helped by the supporting 

 party in the worst places. Pressure ridges and drift 

 just off the Tongue prevented the car going further, 

 so I gave the sledge Quan was dragging to Adams, who 

 was leading Chinaman, and went back for the other. 

 We said good-bye to Day, and he went back, with 

 Priestley and Brocklehurst helping him, for his foot was 

 still very weak. 



We got to the south side of Glacier Tongue at 4 p.m., 

 and after a cup of tea started to grind up the maize 

 in the depot. It was hard work, but we each took 

 turns at the crusher, and by 8 p.m. had ground sufficient 

 maize for the journey. It is now 11 p.m., and a high 

 warm sun is shining down, the day calm and clear. 

 We had hoosh at 9 p.m. Adams' leg is very stiff and 

 sore. The horses are fairly quiet, but Quan has begun 

 his old tricks and is biting his tether. I must send for 

 wire rope if this goes on. 



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