the
rocks, while others carried them.

When Bage was wondering how long the supply would last, Ninnis and Mertz
came to the rescue with sledges and dog-teams. Boxes were piled on
to the sledges and away the teams went, careering across the ice-flat
towards the Magnetograph House close to which there were many heaps
of stones, wind-swept and easily displaced. Soon a regular service was
plying to the foundations, and, at the same time, the dogs were being
trained. This occupation was continued, weather permitting, for several
weeks before Midwinter's Day. Thus the drivers gained experience, while
the animals, with a wholesome dread of the whip, became more responsive
to commands. Eagerly the huskies strained at their traces with excited
yelps. The heavily laden sledges would break out and start off with
increasing speed over the rough ice. The drivers, running at full speed,
jumped on the racing loads--Mertz in the lead shouting some quaint yodel
song; Ninnis, perhaps, just behind upbraiding a laggard dog.

Midwinter's Day! For once, the weather rose to the occasion and calmed
during the few hours of the twilight-day. It was a jovial occasion, and
we celebrated it with the uproarious delight of a community of eighteen
young men unfettered by small conventions. The sun was returning, and we
were glad of it. Already we were dreaming of spring and sledging, summer
and sledging, the ship and home. It was the turn of the tide, and the
future seemed to be sketched in firm, sure outline. While the rest
explored all the ice-caves and the whole extent of our small
rocky "selection," Hannam and Bickerton shouldered the domestic
responsibilities. Their menu du diner to us was a marvel of gorgeous
delicacies. After the toasts and speeches came a musical and dramatic
programme, punctuated by choice gramophone records and rowdy student
choruses. The washing-up was completed by all hands at midnight.
Outside, the wind was not to be outdone; it surpassed itself with an
unusual burst of ninety-five miles per hour.

Menu du Diner

Escoffier potage a la Reine

Noisettes de Phoque | Claret
Haricot Verts | Tintara
Champignons en Sauce Antarctique |

Pingouin a la Terre Adelie | Burgundy
Petits Pois a la Menthe | Chauvenet
Pommes Nouvelle | 1898
|
A