Page:Scott's Last Expedition, Volume 2.djvu/280

November 8.—Weather overcast, with a cold south-easterly wind of medium force. I went round with Debenham and was much surprised at the amount of stores. If we were down for another winter there should be no lack. Our clothes had been landed by the ship. There was nothing we wanted except boots, of which I served out one pair to each.

It was hopeless to think of following the search party, the only transport being a few dogs that had been left behind as they were slow or weak. Atkinson's plans were to push on and search to the top of the Beardmore Glacier unless he found traces of the party before, so there was no hope of catching him. I find our party are not so fit as I thought. Most of us have developed swollen ankles and legs (œdema), and when the flesh is pressed in the holes remain there.

From November 8 till the return of the sledge party we were all very busy transcribing our last winter's diaries, developing photographs, and renewing what of our outfit we were unable to replace.

On the 11th Levick, Abbott, and Dickason left for Hut Point, and the next day but one they returned, bringing with them our records and specimens. They had taken all the provisions left on our broken sledge to Hut Point.

November 25.—A mild blizzard. Priestley and Debenham had arranged to start for Cape Royds to-day, taking Dickason, but decided to wait for better weather.

At 8 p.m. two dog teams with Atkinson, Cherry-Garrard, and Demetri arrived. They had found the