SOUTH 
the worst comes we have made up our minds to carry on and 
die in harness. If any one were to see us on trek they would 
be surprised : three men staggering on with four dogs, very 
weak ; practically empty sledge with fair wind and just crawling 
along ; our clothes are all worn out, fimieskoe and sleeping- 
bags torn. Tent is our worst point, all torn in front, and we 
are afraid to camp on account of it, as it is too cold to mend 
it. We camped for our grand lunch at noon. After five hours' 
strugghng I think we did about three miles. After lunch sat 
in our tent talking over the situation. Decided to get under 
way again as soon as there is any clearance. Snowing and 
blowing, force about fifty or sixty miles an hour. 
" February 26, ^aiwrt^ay.— Eichards went out 1.10 a.m. and 
found it clearing a bit, so we got under way as soon as possible, 
which was 2.10 a.m. About 2.35 Kichards sighted depot, which 
seemed to be right on top of us. I suppose we camped no 
more than three-quarters of a mile from it. The dogs sighted 
it, which seemed to electrify them. They had new life and 
started to run, but we were so weak that we could not go more 
than 200 yds. and then spell. I think another day woi3d have 
seen us off. Arrived at depot 3.25 ; found it in a dilapidated 
condition, cases all about the place. I don't suppose there has 
ever been a weaker party arrive at any depot, either north or 
south. After a hard struggle got our tent up and made camp. 
Then gave the dogs a good feed of pemmican. If ever dogs 
saved the lives of any one they have saved ours. Let us hope 
they will continue in good health, so that we can get out to 
our comrades. I started on our cooking. Not one of us had 
any appetite, although we were in the land of plenty, as we 
call this depot ; plenty of biscuit, etc., but we could not eat. 
I think it is the reaction, not only in arriving here, but also 
finding no news of the ship, which was arranged before we left. 
We all think there has been a calamity there. Let us hope 
for the best. We decided to have rolled-oats and milk for a 
start, which went down very well, and then a cup of tea. How 
cheer}^ the Primus sounds. It seems like coming out of a thick 
London fog into a di-awing-room. After a consultation we 
decided to have a meal of pemmican in four hours, and so on, 
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