Page:Scott's Last Expedition, Volume 2.djvu/588

The two devoted men who died side by side with Captain Scott were fine British types. Wilson was a wonderful fellow, whose magnificent judgment helped us all to smooth over the little troubles which were bound to arise from time to time, and who (it has been said before and let it be said again) by his own example and the influence of his personality was mainly responsible for the fact that there never was a quarrel or an angry word in the Expedition.

Bowers possessed an individuality that attracted his companions enormously. He was, besides being a very quick, clever worker, a humourist of the most pleasing type. He bore hardship splendidly and stood the cold probably better than anyone in the Expedition.

The conspicuous bravery of Oates was typical of the man. 'The Soldier' was really loved by the men. He had a dry wit that always left him uppermost in those exciting arguments that did so much to cheer us during the winter season. Patrick Keohane, a splendid Irish seaman, remarked to us as the details of the story were unfolded: 'Captain Oates did just what we all expected of him, sir; he was a fine man that, sir; not much talk about him, but chock full of grit.'

The fifth man of the Southern Party was a British bluejacket of the finest type, who had made himself invaluable. Edgar Evans was the sledge-master, and to him we owed the splendid fitting of our travelling equipment. He left a fine record of service, and his example will do a great deal for the younger seamen of the Royal Navy.