s happened as the
'Aurora' swung around; a sea catching the launch and rushing it forward
so that it struck the stern of the ship bow-on, notwithstanding the fact
that several of the men exerted themselves to their utmost to prevent
a collision. On arrival at the anchorage, the launch was noticeably
settling down, as water had entered at several seams which had been
started.

After being partly bailed out, it was left in the water with Hodgeman
and Close aboard, as we wished to run ashore as soon as the weather
improved. Contrary to expectation the wind increased, and it was
discovered that the 'Aurora' was drifting rapidly, although ninety
fathoms of chain had been paid out. Before a steam-winch** was
installed, the anchor could be raised only by means of an antiquated
man-power lever-windlass. In this type, a see-saw-like lever is worked
by a gang of men at each extremity, and it takes a long time to get in
any considerable length of chain. The chorus and chanty came to our aid
once more, and the long hours of heaving on the fo'c'sle head were a
bright if strenuous spot in our memories of Macquarie Island. In course
of time, during which the ship steamed slowly ahead, the end came in
sight--'Vast heaving!--but the anchor was missing. This put us in an
awkward situation, for the stock of our other heavy anchor had already
been lost. There was no other course but to steam up and down waiting
for the weather to moderate. In the meantime, we had been too busy
to relieve Close and Hodgeman, who had been doing duty in the launch,
bailing for five hours, and were thoroughly soaked with spray. All hands
now helped with the tackle, and we soon had the launch on board in its
old position near the main hatch.

** Fitted on return to Sydney after the first Antarctic cruise.

These operations were unusually protracted for we were short handed; the
boatswain, some of the sailors and most of the land party being marooned
on shore. We were now anxious to get everybody on board and to be off.
The completion of their quarters was to be left to the Macquarie Island
party, and it was important that we should make the most of the southern
season. The wind blew so strongly, however, that there was no immediate
prospect of departure.

The ship continued to steam up and down. On the morning of December 23
it was found possible to lower the whale-boat, and Wild went off with
a complement of sturdy oarsmen, including Madigan, Moyes,