594 SCOTPS LAST EXPEDITION [March 
and that is perhaps a fact to help. The mileage would 
have seemed ridiculously small on our outward journey. 
Monday , March 19. — Lunch. We camped with diffi- 
culty last night and were dreadfully cold till after our 
supper of cold pemmican and biscuit and a half a pannikin 
of cocoa cooked over the spirit. Then, contrary to ex- 
pectation, we got warm and all slept well. To-day we 
started in the usual dragging manner. Sledge dreadfully 
heavy. We are 15^ miles from the depot and ought 
to get there in three days. What progress ! We have 
two days' food but barely a day's fuel. All our feet are 
getting bad — Wilson's best, my right foot worst, left 
all right. There is no chance to nurse one's feet till 
we can get hot food into us. Amputation is the least 
I can hope for now, but will the trouble spread ? That 
is the serious question. The weather doesn't give us 
a chance — the wind from N. to N.W. and -40 0 temp, 
to-day. 
Wednesday, March 21.— Got within 11 miles of depot 
Monday night ; * had to lay up all yesterday in severe 
blizzard. 27 To-day forlorn hope, Wilson and Bowers going 
to depot for fuel. 
Thursday, March 22 and 23.— Blizzard bad as ever— 
Wilson and Bowers unable to start— to-morrow last 
chance — no fuel and only one or two of food left — must 
be near the end. Have decided it shall be natural— we 
shall march for the depot with or without our effects 
and die in our tracks. 
Thursday, March 29.— Since the 21st we have had 
* The 60th camp from the Pole. 
