CHAPTER IV 
SETTLING IN 
Sunday, January 8. — A day of disaster. I stupidly 
gave permission for the third motor to be got out this 
morning. This was done first thing and the motor placed 
on firm ice. Later Campbell told me one of the men 
had dropped a leg through crossing a sludgy patch some 
200 yards from the ship. I didn't consider it very serious, 
as I imagined the man had only gone through the surface 
crust. About 7 a.m. I started for the shore with a single 
man load, leaving Campbell looking about for the best 
crossing for the motor. I sent Meares and the dogs over 
with a can of petrol on arrival. After some twenty minutes 
he returned to tell me the motor had gone through. Soon 
after Campbell and Day arrived to confirm the dismal 
tidings. It appears that getting frightened of the state 
of affairs Campbell got out a line and attached it to the 
motor — then manning the line well he attempted to rush 
the machine across the weak place. A man on the rope, 
Williamson, suddenly went through to the shoulders, but 
was immediately hauled out. During the operation the 
ice under the motor was seen to give, and suddenly it 
and the motor disappeared. The men kept hold of the 
