SOUTH 
hardly have been imagined. Worsley produced several safety- 
pins from some corner of his garments and effected some 
temporary repairs that really emphasized his general disrepair. 
Down we hiirriedj and when quite close to the station we met 
two small boys ten or twelve years of age. I asked these lads 
where the manager's house was situated. They did not answer. 
They gave us one look — a comprehensive look that did not need 
to be repeated. Then they ran from us as fast as their legs 
would carry them. We reached the outskirts of the station 
and passed through the " digesting-house/' which was dark 
inside. Emerging at the other end, we met an old man, who 
started as if he had seen the Devil himself and gave us no 
time to ask any question. He hm^ried away. This greeting 
was not friendly. Then we came to the wharf, where the man 
in charge stuck to his station. I asked him if Mr. Sorlle (the 
manager) was in the house. 
" Yes/^ he said as he stared at us. 
" We would like to see him," said 1. 
Who are vou ? he asked. 
" We have lost our ship and come over the island/' I repHed. 
" You have come over the island ? " he said in a tone of 
entire disbelief. 
The man went towards the manager's house and we followed 
him. I learned afterwards that he said to Mr. Sorlle : " There 
are three funny-looking men outside, who say they have come 
over the island and they know you. I have left them outside/' 
A very necessary precaution from his point of view. 
Mr. Sorlle came out to the door and said, " Well ? " 
Don't you know me ? " I said. 
" I know your voice/' he replied doubtfully. " You're the 
mate of the Daisy 
My name is Shackleton," I said. 
Immediately he put out his hand and said, ^' Come in. 
Come in." 
Tell me, when was the war over ? " I asked. 
The war is not over/' he answered. Millions are being 
killed. Europe is mad. The world is mad." 
Mr. Sorlle's hospitality had no bounds. He would scarcely 
206 
