Return of the Southern Cross. 251 
more than a year. Gradually we heard all the 
news—both private and public. Never did we 
realise more than then what a big part the daily 
newspaper plays in our life. We heard for the 
first time about the war in the Transvaal; about 
wonderful discoveries in telegraphy, and found 
how many alterations of conditions one year might 
cause. Interesting was it to hear about those 
active steps which had been taken to follow in 
THE RETURN OF THE “SOUTHERN CROSS.” 
our wake in Antarctic research. We commenced at 
once to take those stores from Camp Ridley which 
were wanted for our southward journey. The dogs 
were taken on board, the sledges, instruments and 
fur, and after having visited Hanson's grave, we all 
went on board, leaving at Camp Ridley, however, 
the huts, a quantity of coal which would have kept 
us Wor auetlier yedr,. a considerable amount of 
provisions, and a small note from myself to the 
commander of the next expedition. 
