598 
SCOTT'S LAST EXPEDITION 
[March 
appreciate his wonderful upright nature, his ability and 
energy. As the troubles have thickened his dauntless 
spirit ever shone brighter and he has remained cheerful, 
hopeful, and indomitable to the end. 
The ways of Providence are inscrutable, but there 
must be some reason why such a young, vigorous and 
promising life is taken. 
My whole heart goes out in pity for you. 
Yours, 
R. Scott. 
To the end he has talked of you and his sisters. One 
sees what a happy home he must have had and perhaps 
it is well to look back on nothing but happiness. 
He remains unselfish, self-reliant and splendidly 
hopeful to the end, believing in God's mercy to you. 
To Sir J. M. Barrie 
My dear Barrie, 
We are pegging out in a very comfortless spot. 
Hoping this letter may be found and sent to you, I 
write a word of farewell. . . . More practically I want 
you to help my widow and my boy — your godson. We are 
showing that Englishmen can still die with a bold spirit, 
fighting it out to the end. It will be known that we have 
accomplished our object in reaching the Pole, and that 
we have done everything possible, even to sacrificing 
ourselves in order to save sick companions. I think 
this makes an example for Englishmen of the future, and 
