ky patch, high up on the
slope.

"4.15 P.M. Sighted the large grounded berg, fifteen miles from the Main
Base.

"9 P.M. Off Main Base. There is no flag to be seen on the wireless mast!

"Dr. Mawson's party is now sixteen days overdue; there must be something
seriously amiss. But from our examination of the line of coast as far as
64 degrees 45' south, 146 degrees 19' east, there does not appear to be
any probability of finding traces along the shore line at the base of
vertical ice-cliffs."

No communication with the shore was possible until the wind, which
had again risen, had moderated. We could just stand off and on until a
favourable opportunity occurred. Once the returning ten members of the
Expedition were embarked it was imperative to hasten towards Wild's
Base.

A week's gale in Commonwealth Bay! The seven days which followed I
do not think any of us will forget. From February 1 to 7 it blew a
continuous heavy gale, interrupted only when the wind increased to a
full hurricane ** (eighty miles an hour).

** * The maximum wind-velocity recorded at this time by the anemometer
on shore was approximately eighty miles an hour.

We endeavoured to maintain a position under the cliffs where the sea had
not room to become heavy. This entailed a constant struggle, as, with a
full head of steam during the squalls, the vessel drove steadily seaward
to where the rising waves broke on board and rendered steering more
perplexing. Then, when it had moderated to a mere "howl," we would crawl
back, only to be driven out again by the next squall. The blinding spray
which was swept out in front of the squalls froze solidly on board and
lent additional difficulty to the operation of "wearing ship."

It was on this occasion that we realized what a fine old vessel the
'Aurora' was, and, as we slowly moved back to shelter, could appreciate
how efficiently our engine-room staff under Gillies were carrying out
their duties. The ordinary steaming speed was six knots, yet for the
whole of this week, without a hitch, the ship was being driven at
an equivalent of ten knots. The fact of having this reserve power
undoubtedly saved us from disaster.

A typical entry from my diary reads:

"February 6. Just as the sun was showing over the ice-slopes this
morning (4 A.M.) the wind became very violent with the most terrific
squalls I have ever experienced. Vessel absolutely unmanageable, driving
out to sea. I was expecting the ma