THE RESCUE 
world-sliakiiig happenings as we were when we reached 
Stromness Whaling Station. 
I heard the first rumour of the Aiirora^s misadventures in 
the Ross Sea from Mr. Sorlle. Om- host could tell me very 
little. He had been informed that the Aurora had broken 
away from winter quarters in McMm'do Sound and reached 
New Zealand after a long drift, and that there was no news 
of the shore party. His information was indefinite as to details, 
and I had to wait until I reached the Falkland Islands some 
time later before getting a definite report concerning the Aurora. 
The rumour that had reached South Georgia, however, made 
it more than ever important that I should bring out the rest 
of the Weddell Sea party quickly, so as to free myself for 
whatever effort was required on the Ross Sea side. 
When we reached Husvik that Sunday morning we were 
warmly greeted by the magistrate (Mr. Bernsten), whom I 
knew of old, and the other members of the little community. 
Moored in the harbour was one of the largest of the whalers, 
the Southern Sky, owned by an Enghsh company but now laid 
up for the winter. I had no means of getting into communi- 
cation with the owners without dangerous delay, and on my 
accepting all responsibility Mr. Bernsten made arrangements 
for me to take this ship down to Elephant Island. I wrote 
out an agreement with Lloyd's for the insurance of the ship. 
Captain Thorn, an old friend of the Expedition, happened to 
be in Husvik with his ship, the Orwell, loading oil for use in 
Britain's munition works, and he at once volunteered to come 
with us in any capacity. I asked Mm to come as captain of 
the Southern Sky. There was no difficulty about getting a 
crew. The whalers were eager to assist in the rescue of men 
in distress. They started work that Sunday to prepare and 
stow the ship. Parts of the engines were ashore, but willing 
hands made light labour. I purchased from the station stores 
all the stores and equipment required, including special comforts 
for the men we hoped to rescue, and by Tuesday morning the 
Southern Sky was ready to sail. I feel it is my duty as well 
as my pleasure to thank here the Norwegian whalers of South 
Georgia for the sympathetic hands they stretched out to us 
211 
