ed almost too good to be
true.

"We found two tins of biscuits, one slightly broached, and a small bag
each of raisins, tea, cocoa, butter, and lard.

"There were also clothes, diaries, and specimens from Granite Harbour.
I decided to camp here and have a day off.

"Dividing the provisions between the two tents, we soon had hoosh
going and such a feed of biscuit, butter; and lard as we had not had
for nine months, and we followed this up with sweet, thick cocoa.
After this we killed and cut up a seal, as we are getting short of
meat and there is every prospect of a blizzard coming on.

"Levick and Abbott saw a desperate fight between two bull seals
to-day. They gashed each other right through skin and blubber till
they were bleeding badly.

"We had another hoosh and more biscuit and lard in the evening; then
we turned into our bags and, quite torpid with food, discussed our
plans on arriving at Cape Evans. We had quite decided we should find
no one there, for we believed the whole party had been blown north in
the ship while trying to reach us. Still discussing plans we fell
asleep.

"What with news from the main party and food (although both were a
year old), it was the happiest day since we last saw the ship. I awoke
in the night, finished my share of the butter and most of my lard,
then dozed off again."

"November 6.--Another fine day. We marched till 1 p.m., when our
sledge broke down, the whole runner coming off. As we were only one
mile from Hut Point I camped. Priestley, Dickason, and I walked in to
look for news and get another sledge, as I was sure some would be
there.

"As we neared the Point we noticed fresh tracks of mule and dogs. I
pointed them out to Priestley, and said, 'I hope there is nothing
wrong with the Pole Party, as I do not like the look of these.' He
said, 'No more do I' We ran up to the hut and found a letter from
Atkinson to the 'Commanding Officer, Terra Nova.' I opened this and
learnt the sad news of the loss of the Polar Party. The names of the
party were not given, and finding Atkinson in charge of the search
party which had started, I was afraid 2 units, or 8 men, were lost.
Finding a sledge only slightly damaged, I took that back to the camp,
getting back there about 5 p.m.

"We were all rather tired, so instead of starting straight on to Cape
Evans, we ha