LOSS OF A MOTOR 107 
rope, but it cut through the ice towards them with an 
ever increasing strain, obliging one after another to let 
go. Half a minute later nothing remained but a big hole. 
Perhaps it was lucky there was no accident to the men, 
but it's a sad incident for us in any case. It's a big blow 
to know that one of the two best motors, on which so much 
time and trouble have been spent, now lies at the bottom 
of the sea. The actual spot where the motor disappeared 
was crossed by its fellow motor with a very heavy load 
as well as by myself with heavy ponies only yesterday. 
Meares took Campbell back and returned with the 
report that the ice in the vicinity of the accident was 
hourly getting more dangerous. 
It was clear that we were practically cut off, certainly 
as regards heavy transport. Bowers went back again 
with Meares and managed to ferry over some wind clothes 
and odds and ends. Since that no communication has 
been held ; the shore party have been working, but the 
people on board have had a half-holiday. 
At 6 I went to the ice edge farther to the north. I 
found a place where the ship could come and be near the 
heavy ice over which sledging is still possible. I went 
near the ship and semaphored directions for her to get 
to this place as soon as she could, using steam if neces- 
sary. She is at present wedged in with the pack, and I 
think Pennell hopes to warp her along when the pack 
loosens. 
Meares and I marked the new trail with kerosene tins 
before returning. So here we are waiting again till fortune 
is kinder. Meanwhile the hut proceeds ; altogether there 
