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SCOTT'S LAST EXPEDITION
[April

slightly and we started to make our way to Hut Point. We found that the sea ice had again gone out close to Hut Point, but by keeping well to the south and completing 15 miles, a very good march for the day, we arrived at Hut Point in the dark. I have never known a journey have such an effect upon a party in such a short time.

On the 23rd, the day we returned, we saw the sun for the last time until his return in August. The greater part of this journey was done in the dusk. Wright, owing to the low temperature, was unable to wear his glasses. The light being bad and he short-sighted, he marched under a very great disadvantage. I have spoken before of his loyalty and good-comradeship. Petty Officer Keohane behaved splendidly on the Barrier in the latter end of March and beginning of April and again on this journey. Williamson's conduct was also splendid in every way. The next few days we spent at Hut Point drying out our gear, which was badly iced, and getting some sleep, which we all needed. We began to realise that it was a question now of making the best of circumstances and waiting till the spring of the year before anything further could be done. At Hut Point Cherry-Garrard, Gran, and Demetri had remained, and their task of waiting had been by no means the easier one.

As winter drew on, we had now to return to the base. On April 28 Wright, Gran, and Keohane started to make their way back to Cape Evans over the sea ice. Soon after they had rounded the point it began to blow very stiffly and they ran for safety to the Glacier Tongue; they crossed very thin and bad sea ice, Wright having to go