. First, vertical shafts ascended in
a fan of electric flame, and then the shafts all merged into a filmy,
pale chrome sheet. This faded and intensified alternately, and then in an
instant disappeared, but more flaming lights burst into view in other
parts of the heavens, and a phantom curtain of glittering electric violet
trembled between the lights and the stars.

No wonder Wilson and Bowers stated that the Aurora effects were much
better and more variegated in colour this southern side of Mount Erebus.
The awful splendour of this majestic vision gave us all a most eerie
feeling, and we forgot our fatigue and the cold whilst we watched.

The Southern Lights continued for some hours, only vanishing with the
faint appearance of dawn. With daylight the well-known hills which
surrounded our winter quarters thrust themselves into view, and gladdened
by this sight we redoubled our efforts.

At 5 a.m. we had alight breakfast of tea and biscuits. We were off again
before six, and we continued marching until we came to the edge of the
Great Ice Barrier shortly before 1 p.m. We did not stop for lunch, but
marched straight to Hut Point, arriving at three o'clock at the Hut.

We cooked ourselves a tremendous meal, which we ate steadily from 4 to
5.30, and then we discussed marching on to our winter quarters at Cape
Evans, fifteen miles farther.

Had we started we might have got in by 3 a.m., but not before. We had
marched all through one night, and besides digging out Corner Camp, we
had covered nearly thirty-five miles, which on top of a day's work we
considered good enough. We therefore prepared the hut for the night; two
of us turned in about seven and soon fell asleep. Gran remained sitting
at the stove, as his bag was in such a shockingly iced-up condition that
he could not yet get into it. He awoke us about 10 p.m. with more food,
cocoa and porridge, both of which were excellent. I full well remember
that he put about four ounces of butter into each bowl of porridge, which
we mightily enjoyed. We then slept again till morning--a long, warm,
dreamless sleep.

We had an easy march back to Cape Evans on the sea ice, and arrived in
the evening at the Main Hut, which appeared to us like a palace after our
cold spring journey.

CHAPTER XI

PREPARATIONS AND PLANS FOR THE SUMMER SEASON

Whilst the spring depot-laying party was absent, Scott, on September 15,
took a small sledge party counting Bowers, Seaman Evan