Page:Scott's Last Expedition, Volume 1.djvu/272

162 the end. The drifts about the camp are very deep—some of the sledges almost covered. It is the old story—eat and sleep, sleep and eat—and it's surprising how much sleep can be put in.

Tuesday, February 7, 5 —Corner Camp, No. 6. The wind kept on through the night, commencing to lull at 8 At 10  one could see an arch of clear sky to the S.W. and W., White Island, the Bluff, and the Western Mountains clearly defined. The wind had fallen very light and we were able to do some camp work, digging out sledges and making the ponies more comfortable. At 11 a low dark cloud crept over the southern horizon and there could be no doubt the wind was coming upon us again. At 1 the drift was all about us once more and the sun obscured. One began to feel that fortune was altogether too hard on us—but now as I write the wind has fallen again to a gentle breeze, the sun is bright, and the whole southern horizon clear. A good sign is the freedom of the Bluff from cloud. One feels that we ought to have a little respite for the next week, and now we must do everything possible to tend and protect our ponies. All looks promising for the night march.

Wednesday, February 8.—No. 7 Camp. Bearings: Lat. 78° 13′; Mt. Terror N. 3 W.; Erebus 23½ Terror 2nd peak from south; Pk. 2 White Island 74 Terror; Castle Rk. 43 Terror. Night march just completed. 10 miles, 200 yards. The ponies were much shaken by the blizzard. One supposes they did not sleep—all look listless and two or three are visibly thinner than before. But the worst case by far is Forde's little pony;