ESCAPE FROM THE ICE 
easterly gale, such as we might expect to experience at any 
time; the waves would pound over the scant barrier of the reef 
and break against the sheer sides of the rocky wall behind us. 
Well-marked terraces showed the efiect of other gales, and 
right at the back of the beach was a small bit of wreckage 
not more than three feet long, rounded by the constant chafing 
it had endured. Obviously we must fuid some better resting- 
-<~To P. Wild about /Miles 
BOUGH SKETCH MAP OF LANDING-PLACE AND FIRST CAMP AT 
CAPE VALENTINE, ELEPHANT ISLAND 
place. I decided not to share with the men the knowledge 
of the uncertainties of our situation until they had enjoyed 
the full sweetness of rest untroubled by the thought that 
at any minute they might be called to face peril again. The 
threat of the sea had been our portion during many, many 
days, and a respite meant much to weary bodies and jaded 
minds. 
The accompanying plan will indicate our exact position 
more clearly than I can describe it. The cliffs at the back of 
the beach were inaccessible except at two points where there 
were steep snow-slopes. We were not worried now about food, 
for, apart from our own rations, there were seals on the beach 
K 145 
