19X2] LAST SUPPORTING PARTY RETURNS 529 
over 12 miles (geo.). Very anxious to see how we shall 
manage to-morrow ; if we can march well with the full 
load we shall be practically safe, I take it. The surface 
was very bad in patches to-day and the wind strong. 
'Lat. 87 0 32'. A last note from a hopeful position. 
I think it's going to be all right. We have a fine party 
going forward and arrangements are all going well.' 
Thursday, January 4, — T. -17°, Lunch T. -16*5°. 
We were naturally late getting away this morning, the 
sledge having to be packed and arrangements completed 
for separation of parties. It is wonderful to see how 
neatly everything stows on a little sledge, thanks to P.O. 
Evans. I was anxious to see how we could pull it, and 
glad to find we went easy enough. Bowers on foot pulls 
between, but behind, Wilson and myself ; he has to keep 
his own pace and luckily does not throw us out at all. 
The second party had followed us in case of accident, 
but as soon as I was certain we could get along we stopped 
and said farewell. Teddy Evans is terribly disappointed 
but has taken it very well and behaved like a man. Poor 
old Crean wept and even Lashly was affected. I was glad 
to find their sledge is a mere nothing to them, and thus, no 
doubt, they will make a quick journey back. 24 Since leaving 
them we have marched on till 1.15 and covered 6'2 miles 
(geo.). With full marching days we ought to have no 
difficulty in keeping up our average. 
Night camp 57. T. - 16 0 . Height 10,280.— We 
started well on the afternoon march, going a good speed 
for ih hours ; then we came on a stratum covered with 
loose sandy snow, and the pulling became very heavy. 
VOL. I. 2 M 
