Campbell and his northern party, with a short indication of what
was done elsewhere by the Expedition's men. The homeward journey was made
in sorrow and doubt, for Atkinson's little band of brothers had to
shoulder another responsibility--the determination of Campbell's fate.

On November 27, 1912, Gran's diary gives as follows:

"Great news again--great, good news. Campbell here and his party safe
at Cape Evans. They just missed us going out. They lived a winter a la
Eskimo, Igloo and so on, and have been quite comfortable, so they say.
Campbell is looking very well. He is now in command, and intends to do
only small trips--Erebus and so on...."

Atkinson now handed over to Campbell, and whilst mentioning this it is
just as well to call attention to the splendid services of Dr. Atkinson.
Grit and loyalty were his outstanding qualities. He was later on
specially promoted to Surgeon Commander for his work in the Expedition.

CHAPTER XVIII

ADVENTURES OF THE NORTHERN PARTY

To set forth concisely the adventurous story of Campbell's Northern Party
in a single chapter is no light task. Raymond Priestley has written it in
book form already, just as Griffith-Taylor has published his particular
narrative of the Western Journey in "The Silver Lining." Both books are
of absorbing interest to those who are fond of Polar literature.

I have, I hope, made clear the reason of Campbell's landing at Cape
Adare. Mr. Borchgrevink in his "Southern Cross" Antarctic Expedition used
this position as his winter quarters, and found, just as Campbell did,
that it was not a suitable part of the Antarctic continent for making
extensive sledge journeys from. Still, King Edward's Land was denied him.
Amundsen was established before him in the Bay of Whales, and in spite of
diligent search the Cape Adare choice was the only one left to Victor
Campbell and his five companions. Scott's instructions have already been
reproduced in this volume: he mentioned Robertson Bay, and Cape Adare is
at the N.E. extreme of the Promontory bounding the Bay to the Eastward.

Campbell was by no means satisfied with his landing place, but coal was
short in the "Terra Nova" and the season drawing in. He had vainly
searched for a more profitable wintering place, and it was not until
February 17 that he got his chance of landing here even.

The party and their stores were put ashore on the beach which the
"Southern Cross" Expedition had